The Risk Communications Officer at the Veterinary Services Directorate, Dr Benjamin Sasu, has called on the public to protect, care for and treat dogs responsibly, stressing their increasing importance to society.
Speaking to Adom News as part of activities marking International Dog Day, Dr Sasu noted that dogs have moved beyond their traditional roles as pets and security animals. He said they are now used in criminal investigations, search and rescue operations, disaster response and in assisting visually impaired persons.
According to him, dogs’ highly developed sense of smell makes them valuable to security agencies and other institutions that rely on their specialised abilities.
“Dogs are used in some instances to find even trapped humans during earthquakes and other disasters. Institutions and agencies such as NACOC and K-9 use dogs for investigations, and even in laboratories, dogs can play an important role in investigative work,” he said.
Dr Sasu explained that with proper training, dogs can perform specialised tasks during emergencies and security operations, making their contribution to society significant.
He therefore urged dog owners and the general public to seek veterinary attention promptly whenever the animals become sick or suffer injuries.
“We should always rush dogs to the veterinary clinic when they need care and treatment. We must also ensure that there are safe places where these dogs can rest,” he said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Institute of Community Security (ICS), Eric Jerry Aidoo, has also advocated greater protection and responsible treatment of dogs, warning that their mistreatment and consumption could have security implications in some communities.
Mr Aidoo said dogs are capable of detecting unusual activities within their surroundings, but their effectiveness could be reduced when they are prevented from moving freely.
“Every animal was created for a purpose, and we must therefore treat animals with care and compassion,” he said.
He encouraged the public to assist stray, abandoned and injured dogs by providing food and seeking veterinary care for them when necessary.
Mr Aidoo stressed that animals, like humans, require timely attention when they are sick or injured and urged communities to adopt a more compassionate and responsible attitude towards dog welfare.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar