Proposed local ordinance to protect public, dogs' welfare

by Ruel B. Francisco May 10, 2021 Dog owners. TRECE MARTIRES CITY...

by Ruel B. Francisco
May 10, 2021

Dog owners.

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - Cavite 4th District Rep. Pidi Barzaga proposed the drafting of a city ordinance in Dasmariñas that will address the perennial problem of stray dogs biting residents, not only to protect the public but the dogs' welfare as well.

According to Rep. Barzaga, the city government allocates almost a million pesos of the LGU's funds on a monthly basis for the purchase of the rabies vaccine.



He also cited that 50% of the victims were children or members of the household of dog owners.

As part of the initiative, the city government will undertake the construction of a big impounding center to house stray dogs captured with the support of a centralized dog catching system.



The proposed ordinance will affirm that all stray dogs will be caught and brought to the center. Dog owners will redeem their dogs within 10 days with a corresponding fine. Dogs that will not be redeemed within the said period will be placed for adoption, while those that will not be adopted will be "euthanized" as provided by Republic Act 8485 or The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.

Moreover, all residents who want to breed dogs will be required to obtain a dog breeder's permit from the city government. Puppies also need to have a cage with corresponding space.



A public hearing will be held for the drafting of a said ordinance with concerned stakeholders present to solicit their views on the proposed ordinance.

According to the FB Page of Rep. Barzaga, the ordinance will not only address the safety of the public but also prevent the proliferation of stray dogs, resolve related sanitation problems and significantly reduce LGU expenses every month on an anti-rabies vaccine with the savings allowed for other health projects. (Ruel Francisco with reports from Congressman Pidi Barzaga's FB page)