Animal lovers may once again receive free veterinary treatment for their pets under certain conditions if a proposal by municipal councillors receives approval by the minister concerned.
The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry stopped offering vaccinations and medicines, alongside grooming services, in 2004.
However, it continued providing free vaccinations to all livestock breeders against infectious diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease and bronchitis and rhinitis of cows.
The GDN reported that 10,353 animals received vaccinations against these diseases from January to June last year.
Four councillors, led by Mohammed Al Dossary, want to introduce more free veterinary services for the public and the Northern Municipal Council at its meeting yesterday approved their urgent proposal unanimously.
“We are not speaking about farm animals here, or diseases that are highly contagious amongst animals that could spread to humans, which is a clear health responsibility for the state to take care of,” said Mr Al Dossary. “There are other diseases and conditions, however, which are expensive to cure or require medication in large doses that the state should also add to the free list.
“People keep camels and horses in stables and exotic birds in their homes, compounds or gardens, for example, and they sometimes need support as private veterinary fees are beyond their means.
“The luxury services, however, can continue to be private such as trimming and other grooming services.
“Vet medications and services can continue to be sold as a consumer choice in the same manner as patients can attend government hospitals and health centres, whereas others prefer to go private.”
He added a vacant building for agriculture affairs in Budaiya could be utilised for the new veterinary services.
“People in Bahrain are animal lovers and the government should help and support them – it is no good they are being called a month before the Bahrain Animal Production Show to show the world that government bodies concerned care.”
The council’s technical committee chairman Abdulla Al Qobaisi also signed the proposal and added: “Medical services that are either expensive or require frequency should be provided free.
“It is not all about cattle or poultry bred for consumption being in a healthy shape. Cats, dogs, rabbits and even mice need treatment at times.”
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak will review the proposal.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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