Pets to have rabies vaccinations

TANGERANG: To prevent the spread of rabies, the Tangerang Husbandry Agency kicked off on Wednesday compulsory, free vaccination for pet dogs and cats as well as stray animals in Medang Lestari housing complex, Legok district.

"We are offering this vaccination following a report that a five-year-old boy, identified only as Akbar, contracted rabies after he was bitten by a dog in this area," agency head Didi Aswadi said.

He also called on local people to inform his officers about housing complexes where many residents raised pets to make it easier for the office to arrange a vaccination timetable.

The agency has also scheduled training for poultry breeders on Thursday on how to vaccinate fowl to prevent bird flu disease, which has hurt the industry since early this year.

Aswadi added that the agency would also hold a "Best Cats" contest in Lippo Karawaci on March 13 through March 14 in cooperation with the International Cat Lovers Organization. -- JP