THE Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his interest in the well-being of Deltans.
The Association, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr. John Emethilue, in reaction to the Pets Control, Responsible Ownership Bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly, noted that it would not have been possible but for the state government’s commitment to ensuring a disease – free environment.
The veterinarians stated that rabies, an important zoonotic disease, could infect man through dog bite, pointing out that the effective control of stray dogs, which the Bill sought to achieve, was a sure way to keep the disease in check.
It commended the State Assembly for the passage of the Bill, noting that the Joint House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Health did a good job in the process of scrutinizing the Bill by taking into consideration the inputs of critical stakeholders.
The association expressed optimism that the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, would give expedited assent to the Bill so that the law could come in force in earnest.
The body called for a strict enforcement of the law, when applicable, so that its purpose would not be defeated.
It condemned, in very strong terms, a statement against the Bill by one Mr. Isaac Chukwudi Ekwukoma, who had been deregistered by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, saying that he lacked the authority to speak on issues bordering on the practice of veterinary public health and particularly the Bill
While urging members of the public to disregard the said statement, NVMA, Delta chapter advised them to seek counsel and veterinary services from duly qualified and registered veterinary doctors practicing across the state.
