Animal bite cases are on the rise in Dagupan with more than 2,500 incidents recorded in just over two months in 2025.

Most of the victims are pet owners.

Maydeline del Rosario rushed her two-year-old child to the Dagupan Animal Bite Center on April 4 for a third anti-rabies shot after their pet cat scratched the child.

“Hinila niya kasi ‘yung buntot ng pusa, tas bigla na lang kinalmot,” Maydeline said.

Godofredo Arosa, Jr. also took his six-year-old son for a third dose of the anti-rabies vaccine after a dog bit the child while he was playing outside.

“Naglalaro lang sa labas tapos biglang kinagat ng aso,” he shared.

From January to March 12, 2025, the Dagupan City Health Office recorded 2,579 animal bite cases.

“Dito sa Dagupan City, may naitatala kaming new cases around 50 per day. Kung susumahin mo po, sa isang buwan, more or less 1,000 per month new cases,” City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Julita de Venecia, said.

She said most victims are pet owners, 20 to 24 years old. The oldest recorded case involved a 70-year-old resident.

“’Yung parating hawak nila, nasasaktan din nila mga pet nila pag nanggigigil. Kaya nakakalmot at nakakagat sila,” she added.

Despite the increase in cases, the City Health Office said there is enough vaccine supply.

Authorities continue to urge pet owners to be more responsible to avoid future bites and scratches.