The Veterinary Service has issued a stern warning, urging local assemblies to arrest dog owners who fail to vaccinate their pets, stating that such negligence poses a significant threat to lives in their communities.

The Service expressed concern that out of Ghana’s 2.5 million dogs, only 170,000 have been vaccinated as the world commemorates World Rabies Day.

It emphasized that Ghana can only achieve the global goal of eradicating rabies deaths if 70% of dogs and cats are vaccinated.

Rabies, which is primarily contracted from dogs, cats, and monkeys, claims approximately 55,000 lives globally each year. Between 2018 and 2024, Ghana recorded over 600 confirmed rabies outbreaks, with the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper East, Western, and Central regions being the hardest hit.

The Ashanti Region alone recorded 34 positive rabies cases and two deaths between 2020 and 2024. This year’s World Rabies Day commemoration took place in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, where a 6-year-old girl tragically died from rabies in April.

Speaking in solidarity with the bereaved family, District Health Director Dr. Eric Sarpong stressed the need for collective action to prevent further rabies-related deaths in the country.

Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti Regional Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted that the nation remains at risk of further rabies outbreaks because many pet owners are neglecting the annual vaccination of their dogs.

She called for stricter enforcement of laws, urging that people who fail to vaccinate their pets should face consequences. “People should be responsible for pets. Once you go for them, you need to budget for them. If you know you can’t take care of them, don’t go for them. Sadly, our animal welfare system isn’t functioning as it should. But once you fail to vaccinate your animal, you should be arrested,” she stated.