BONTOC, Mountain Province – Ten stray dogs were caught in the recently conducted dog-catching activity within the central business district on February 13-14, 2024.
As of this writing, of the total impounded dogs at the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), two were already claimed by the owners.
The dog-catching activity was carried out by the personnel from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) and the Bontoc Municipal Police Station (MPS).
According to Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey, all 10 dogs received multivitamins, anti-rabies vaccine shots, dog food, and flea and tick medications. These were all procured by the Bontoc LGU through the OMAg.
Falag-ey explained that the activity with the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Council taking the lead was in support of Ordinance No. 373, S. 2023, known as the Bontoc Municipal Rabies Control Ordinance. The ordinance aims to promote responsible pet ownership; strengthen rabies control and eradication efforts, ensure health sanitation, especially in public places; encourage immediate reporting of stray dogs, and prevent the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.
Thus, pet owners are advised to put their dogs on leash, not to let their pets outside of their residences or premises without leash, and have their dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies.
Any person who violates the ordinance shall pay a fine of not less than P500 for the first offense, and P1, 000 for the second and succeeding offenses.
In an interview, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., expressed his gratitude to the offices that participated in the said activity and highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“This is a crucial step in maintaining public safety and preventing the spread of rabies in our community. Stray dogs pose a significant risk to our citizens, especially children,” he stated.
Likewise, the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Council urged all pet owners to be responsible and ensure that their dogs are properly vaccinated against rabies.
Additionally, the council solicited the cooperation of the community in reporting stray dogs or any potential rabies-related incidents to the appropriate authorities promptly.
Meanwhile, owners of the impounded dogs are advised to pay their respective fines and claim their pets at the OPVet. By Alpine Killa-Malwagay & Michelle Palacio