Cases of animal bites in General Santos City are increasing, prompting the city government to intensify its operations against stray dogs.

In the first two months of 2024, more than 800 cases of animal bites were recorded in the 26 barangays of the city.

According to the City Veterinarian’s Office, Barangay Labangal has the most number of cases with 302 from January to February this year. The said barangay also had the most number of animal bites in 2023.

One of the moves of the local government is to round up stray dogs in the streets.

Authorities said animal bites cases may continue to rise this hot season.

“Kapag mainit ang panahon so parang aburido rin yung mga aso so tumataas din yung animal bite cases natin,”Labangal Rural Health Unit (RHU) Head, Dr. Corazaon Gloria Rodaje, said.

Aside from stray dogs, there were also cases where owners were bitten by their own pet dogs.

“Ang mataas na cases hindi lang yung asong gala. Yung mga alaga na may breed na aso yung hinahawak-hawakan kaya marami kaming cases na ang kagat nasa mukha,” Rodaje added.

The RHU advised those who will be bitten by dogs to wash the bite area in running water for at least 10 minutes.

“Hugasan at sabunan sa running water at least 10 minutes para mawala yung laway ng aso. Lumapit kaagad sa any animal bite center,” Rodaje said.

This Rabies Awareness Month, the local government has offered anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats and will conduct lectures on responsible pet ownership.