It has been said that a dog is man's best friend.

However, in Kangai, Kirinyaga county, the dogs have proven to be a menace, rather than best friends.

With cases of dogs biting residents on the rise, the county has taken the initiative to vaccinate the canines as well as cats.

According to Agriculture CEC John Gachara, the initiative is part of the annual drive to contain cases of rabies. 

"We ask residents to bring their dogs in large numbers for the vaccination," he said on Monday.

Geoffrey Mugo, a resident, said he brought his dog for vaccination because there had been incidents where dogs had been biting locals.

"There have been incidents where people have even died after being bitten so it's important that precautions are taken," he said.

Karimi Gichangi, the director of veterinary services in the county, said, "This drive is being conducted in response to the rising number of calls we have received of rabid dogs and cats attacking residents."

According to Mayo Clinic, rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.

The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite.