• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Veterinary Office (CVO) is conducting an urgent search for a stray dog reported to have bitten seven people near the Bacolod Public Plaza.
CVO Officer-in-charge Dr. Janine Sarthou confirmed that the seven incidents were recorded as of February 23, noting that the victims were attacked unprovoked, while walking in the area.
Described as a small, brown dog with a noticeable limp, the animal has been spotted roaming the area around San Sebastian and Araneta streets toward the plaza.
“It is a threat to public safety, which is why our team is searching for it immediately,” Sarthou stated.
The CVO, which began its search operations on February 24, considers the animal a significant public safety threat, especially since most stray dogs remain unvaccinated against rabies.
Authorities are currently coordinating with the City Health Office (CHO) to track the status of the victims.
Sarthou urged anyone bitten by the dog to proceed immediately to the CHO for anti-rabies vaccination and to strictly follow established health protocols to prevent infection.
The CVO added that they have impounded a total of 139 stray dogs.*
