They don't shoot dogs here anymore

Two boys enjoy swimming on the beach of Amoingon while a stray dog watches.

They no longer shoot stray dogs here as was the case many years ago when many television viewers were horrified to see such dogs being shot mercilessly in the streets of Marinduque. It was to prevent the spread of rabies, yes, but the method adopted at that time angered many citizens.

Dog killing programs appear to be disappearing gradually now and are being replaced with more humane strategies to eliminate rabies. Initiatives have been undertaken by the Bureau of Animal Industry under the DA to reduce and eventually eliminate canine cases in many island provinces including Marinduque. These include intensifying information campaigns, promoting the spaying and castration of dogs and increasing dog vaccination coverage. There were no reported animal rabies cases in Marinduque in the years 2010 and 2011 according to a recent report from the BAI/DA.