‘Kalinga logs 4,193 animal bites in first half of 2026; Dogs account for nearly 73%’ - Tagatag underscores importance of responsible pet ownership and anti-rabies vaccination

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga recorded 4,193 animal-bite incidents from January to June 2026, with dogs accounting for nearly three out of every four cases, according to Provincial Rabies Program Coordinator Marites Tagatag.

Tagatag presented the figures during the Provincial Government of Kalinga’s flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bulanao, Tabuk City on September 28, as the province observed World Rabies Day.

Of the 4,193 biting animals recorded during the six-month period, 3,056 or 72.9 percent were dogs, while 1,105 or 26.4 percent were cats. The remaining 32 cases involved other animals.

The data also showed that most of the biting animals were not strays.

A total of 3,918 or 93.4 percent were identified as pets or domestic animals, while 276 or 6.6 percent were classified as stray or free-roaming animals.

The figures highlight that preventing animal bites and possible rabies transmission involves not only controlling stray animals but also ensuring that household pets are properly vaccinated, restrained, and cared for.

‘Rabies is preventable’

With thousands of animal-bite cases recorded in just six months, Tagatag urged pet owners to take greater responsibility in preventing animal bites and rabies transmission.

“Rabies is preventable and it starts with us. Vaccinate our pets, practice responsible pet ownership, prevent animal bites, and remember when bitten and scratched, wash the wounds immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly,” Tagatag said.

She reminded pet owners to have their animals vaccinated against rabies, keep them properly restrained or confined, and prevent them from freely roaming in public places.

The World Health Organization identifies dog vaccination, bite prevention, and prompt post-exposure treatment as key measures in preventing rabies. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal.

Five bite treatment centers in Kalinga

Tagatag said Kalinga currently has five certified Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) that provide services to animal-bite victims.

Two are located in Tabuk City, while Rizal, Pasil, and Pinukpuk each have one.

She urged anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and water for about 15 minutes and seek medical attention instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.

Pet ownership also carries responsibility

Tagatag also reminded the public of the responsibilities imposed on pet owners under Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

The law requires dog owners to have their dogs regularly vaccinated against rabies, registered, and kept under control. It also requires owners to prevent their dogs from roaming freely in public places and to report dog-biting incidents within 24 hours.

The law likewise provides for measures to control the dog population and promotes responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering.

Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, requires people who have custody of animals to provide adequate care and prohibits abandonment and neglect.

For Tagatag, rabies prevention should begin even before an animal bite occurs.

With 4,193 animal-bite cases already recorded in Kalinga in the first half of 2026, she urged residents to vaccinate their pets, keep them under control, and seek immediate medical attention following possible exposure.

“Together, as a province, we can work toward a rabies-free Kalinga,” she said.