Chipata Municipal Council and the Veterinary Department have been accused of being reluctant to eliminate all unvaccinated and stray dogs in the district.
Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu, has charged that for over three years now, discussions have been held in different forums to find a lasting solution to the problem, but little has been done especially by the local authority.
He was speaking at a meeting held at his office this morning, following a directive by the Provincial Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, that all District Commissioners form rabies task forces in their respective districts.
Mr Zulu warned that following his re-appointment as DC, he will not tolerate negligence among public office bearers who cannot deliver a good service to the people.
And Mr. Zulu revealed that Eastern province has continued to record an increase in the number of dog bites and deaths from rabies.
He says that figures now stand at 797 for dog bites and 4 deaths, as of August, 15 this year.
Mr. Zulu attributed the continued cases of dog bites and deaths from rabies to failure by the council and the Veterinary Department to act.