The new Anti-Rabies Law or Republic Act No. 9482 may cause the deportation of aliens owning rabid dogs and other violations, provincial veterinarian Antonio Mutia said.

The law imposes a penalty of P25,000 for pet owners who refuse to pay for the medical expenses of persons bitten by their dogs. Aliens found guilty of violating the law will be deported after serving the jail sentence.

Pet owners who refuse to have their dogs placed under observation after biting somebody, will also be fined P10,000, Mutia said, adding that dog owners should register and have their dogs immunized. Failure to comply will be meted a penalty of P2,000.

A P500 fine will be imposed on those who refuse to put their dogs on leash. The law also provides that trading dogs for meat will be penalized with one year imprisonment and fine of P5,000, Mutia pointed out.

Mutia said the Provincial Veterinary Office had vowed to intensify its rabies eradication program in the next three years.*JG

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