North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Sub-agency has given anti-rabies vaccination to 6,503 pets or 117 percent out of initial target by 5,552 pets.

Head of North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Sub-agency, Novy Christine Palit said this achievement is part of collaboration with government, stakeholders, and residents.

"This shows the high level of public awareness of the importance of maintaining the health of pets, while also protecting public health," she said, Monday (12/8).

In January, her side vaccinated 435 pets, February 847 pets, March 310 pets, April 438 pets, May 323 pets, and June 479 pets.

Then 838 pets in July, 954 pets in August, 615 pets in September, 562 pets in October and 801 pets in November.

According to her, this rabies vaccination service is carried out routinely and periodically through outreach services in residential areas, green open spaces and busy centers.

"Our targets are cats, dogs, monkeys and weasels," she added.

She continued that this effort is not only to meet the target numbers, but also as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of rabies transmission in North Jakarta.

Novy stated that her side confirmed that the rabies vaccination program would continue until the end of the year to reach pets that had not yet been registered.

Meanwhile, one of cat lovers, Permatasari (30), appreciated this program much. She assessed that the free pet vaccination is very helpful, especially for pet owners from the lower middle class.

"Hopefully this step can create a healthy and safe environment in Jakarta from the threat of zoonotic diseases," she hoped.