Some dog lovers and breeders are mobilising 5,000 doses of vaccines to provide free vaccinations for cats and dogs in rabies-infected areas of the Ashanti region.

At least eight people have died from rabies in just the first half of the year; outbreaks have been reported in Bosomtwe, Kwabre East, and Asante Akim South, among other places.

The pet breeders say they are concerned about the State's inaction over the immunization of the animals.

Health authorities are worried over the increasing number of rabies-related deaths among dog owners in the Ashanti region.

Regional Health Director, Dr. Emmanuel Kojo Tinkorang, who is also worried about the high fatality rate of victims of rabies attacks, has recommended a mass vaccination exercise.

“We’ve written to the Veterinary Services Division so that at least, all the dogs would be vaccinated. Other than that, the health system would see some of these cases very late. Rabies is such that when you get it, the fatality is very high so you don’t have to wait till it’s too late.”

But the Veterinary Service says it lacks funding for mass vaccination.

The majority of the pet owners cannot also afford the cost of vaccination.

Regional Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mabel Abudu, encourages pet owners to take their pets to district veterinary offices to be vaccinated but at a fee.

“ Mass rabies vaccination; some years back we used to do that. When I came into the system, it was done year after year. Not only rabies. But along the line, things have really gone done. It is not our fault anyway but it has to also do with funds

In the midst of this hopelessness for some pet lovers, a group of dog breeders are raising 5,000 vaccines.

They include Adamfopa Petcare, Happy Home, Mainstream Animal Hospital and Shihtzu Club of Ghana.

“ We think that dog life matter and animal lives matter. And we believe that in 2022, human beings and pets should not lose their lives because of a lack of a vaccine,” Emmanuel Asare, Chief Associate at Adanfopa Petcare in Tema Community 2 and leader of the campaign said.

“ Our goal is to try and mobilize about 5,000 vaccines so that we can give to rural Ghana.” Mr. Asare added.

Mr. Asare, who doubles as President of the Shihtzu Club of Ghana, wants all dog lovers to come onboard the vaccination exercise.