KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines?The high number of dog attacks in North Cotabato has prompted authorities to launch a massive anti-stray dog campaign this week.

Data from the provincial health office indicated that during the first six months of the year alone, at least 400 dog attacks had already been recorded.

Two of the dogbite victims had died of rabies, the report said.

Rose Marfil of the North Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office said the number of dog bite cases could still increase because the Kidapawan City health office has not submitted its consolidated report yet.

On Wednesday, the provincial veterinary office said it conducted operation against stray dogs in various parts of the province.

At least 100 animals had been impounded under the operation.

The dogs are now impounded at the Kidapawan City Veterinary Office in Barangay Magsaysay here to give chance to the owners to claim their pets, officials said.

Dr. Enrico Garzon, provincial veterinarian, called on pet owners to be responsible by not letting their animals roam everywhere.

Garzon also encouraged dog owners to have their pets vaccinated. ?Our anti-rabies vaccine is free. So feel free to come to our office anytime,? Garzon said.

Meanwhile, the provincial police office said stray dogs are also among the causes of vehicular accidents in the province.

A 9-year old boy, identified as Joel Oking Jr., was killed when the motorcycle he was riding with his parents hit a stray dog while negotiating the Makilala-Mlang Highway on Oct. 5.

His parents and a younger brother also sustained injuries when the motorcycle crashed after hitting the animal.