Five communities at Nsuta in the Sekyere Central district of the Ashanti region have benefitted from a rabies vaccination exercise by the School of Veterinary Medicine, KNUST, and Animal Welfare League, a non-profit organization.

The group vaccinated over 270 cats and dogs in the beneficiary communities. The communities are Bonkrong, Kyebi, Amoamang, Akamadoa, and Atonsu. The group led by Dr. Daniel Essel Junior Cobbinah and Mrs. Charity Dedu educated the basic schools in these communities on animal welfare and the importance of rabies vaccination.

They also donated 500 customized exercise books that bear the five freedoms of animals to remind them of their responsibilities towards animals. Director of Animal Welfare League, Daniel Abiliba was hopeful the outreach will impact the life of the people and animals. “We wanted to see how we can impact the lives of these children and adults on how they can understand and protect the animals in their society. “The books are to remind them they have to protect these animals,” he added.

The Sekyere Central district has been celebrating World Rabies day with the School. The district has donated 12 acres of land for research purposes. A technician at the KNUST Veterinary hospital, Daniel Adomako, therefore, believes the exercise is apt. “That collaboration has been going on for 2 years. Once we have the collaboration, we have to do it here,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the district Chief executive, assistant director, Bernice Pomaa Damoah assured the group of continuous collaboration. Some of the students and residents were happy the exercise has brought them closer to animals. “I used to shout at animals which come closer to me, but now I won’t be doing that, because now we know they also have freedom,” said Adiza Bukari.

“I learnt how to protect my animals,” Priscilla Nyantakyi of Bonkrong  R/C JHS said.