Editor,

The news that Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA has launched a massive campaign to vaccinate all dogs and cats in a move aimed at reducing and preventing possible outbreak of rabies is a commendable job.

Although leaders at RARDA say the vaccination of dogs and cats is a periodical exercise, what is important to note is the fact that, some owners of these animals don’t want to cooperate,leaving many dogs unvaccinated.

I read with concern a story in The NewTimes, recently where authorities and veterinary experts warned that a rabies outbreak in Eastern Province could spread among humans, if not checked.

It’s true that the vaccination campaign is carried out every year but the big question is whether it achieved its ultimate target.

There was a case where a young family lost a child after he was bitten by two dogs. Who is to blame?

The young man was visiting a neighbor when he was attacked. What is clear is that the area leaders who should have rushed the boy to hospital ignored him. There are also cases where anti- rabies drugs are stored instead of being used.

Many times, threats that all unvaccinated dogs are to be killed don’t work since it is not easy to get all the dogs, especially when the owners are not cooperating.

Nathan Muhozi
Nyagatare