'Bantay' dog mascot to be launched in Makati on World Rabies Day

A dog mascot called "Bantay" will be launched in Makati City on Sunday, October 2, in observance of "World Animal Day" and "World Rabies Day." "Bantay" will be introduced on Sunday morning at the Ayala Triangle Park in Makati to promote responsible pet ownership. “We encourage everyone, most especially pet lovers and pet owners, to participate in the exciting activities we have lined up for this Sunday’s event," Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said in a news release. "Let us show the world that Filipinos are compassionate people who know how to treat animals right. Let us take a stand in the fight against rabies through responsible pet ownership," he added. Binay, an advocate of the worldwide movement for animal welfare and rabies control, urged the public to join the celebration with the theme, “Bantay: Home at Last!" He said “Bantay" will serve as an ambassador for animals and a society free from diseases originating from animals. Makati City veterinarian Dr. Vivien Manalastas said the festivities for "World Animal Day" on Sunday will begin with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 6:00 a.m. at the Ayala Triangle Park. A blessing of pets will follow after the Mass. There will also be free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Days before World Animal Day, the Makati Veterinary Services Office (MVSO) also conducted free anti-rabies vaccination drive, deworming, consultation, and talks on responsible pet ownership, dog bite prevention, and rabies control. Rabies According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55,000 people die of rabies in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. WHO said 40% of those bitten by suspected rabid animals are children under 15 years old. Dogs are responsible for 99% of rabies deaths in humans, WHO said. "Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-exposure preventive regimen to avert the disease – this is estimated to prevent 327 000 rabies deaths annually," WHO said. - VVP, GMA News