BONTOC, Mountain Province – Giving teeth to municipal ordinance on responsible pet ownership, three dogs were caught in a dog-catching activity led by the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Council through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) on March 20, 2024, at the four central barangays of this capital town.
According to Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey, all three dogs were provided with dog food, dewormer, and care maintenance that were procured by the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through OMAG.
As of this writing, one of the dogs was claimed by the owner while the two dogs are currently impounded at the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet). With this, owners of the impounded dogs are advised to pay their respective fines at the Office of the Municipal Treasurer, located on the First Floor of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol and reclaim their pets at the OPVet.
As per ordinance No. 373, S.2023, violators of the ordinance are subjected to a fine of not less than P500.00 and an additional P100.00 (dog food, medicine and anti-rabies shots) for the first offense and P1000.00 for the second and succeeding offenses.
In an interview, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong Jr., commended the efforts and commitment of the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Council in ensuring public safety and taking a proactive stance against rabies, as well as prioritizing the cleanliness and sanitation in the capital town.
Also, the mayor reiterated the importance of responsible pet ownership and urged pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and ensure they are properly cared for.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Council urges all pet owners to be responsible and ensure that their dogs are properly vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, the council requests the cooperation of the community in reporting stray dogs or any potential rabies-related incidents to the appropriate authorities promptly. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay & Michelle Palacio