The Sangguniang bayan of Bontoc continuously campaigns for responsible pet ownership through the enforcement of the Municipal Ordinance No. 373, s. 2023, known as the Municipal Rabies Control Ordinance. This ordinance amends the existing rabies control ordinance which is Amending Ordinance No. 68 s. 2002 and emphasizes responsible pet ownership to create a safer and healthier community for both residents and animals.
The ordinance outlines clear guidelines for pet ownership, with penalties for violations. Highlighted in Section 13 of the Municipal Ordinance, any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subjected to a fine of PHP 500 for the first offense and PHP 1000 for the second and succeeding offense. Fines paid by the violators shall be shared by the municipal government and barangay, with 30% for the municipal government and 70% for the barangay.
The said ordinance emphasized the importance of controlling stray dogs population and mandating proper waste disposal . This protects the public from dog attacks due to irresponsible acts of ownership of dogs, letting them loose outside of their respective residences or premises. The ordinance helps maintain sanitary conditions and reduces the risk of diseases transmitted by animal waste.
Adoption Programs and Impoundment
The ordinance establishes a system for handling stray and unvaccinated dogs. Authorized personnel, including police officers, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) personnel, and trained rabies vaccinators, can impound these animals. Stray or unvaccinated dogs are impounded and kept in the Local Government Unit (LGU) designated dog pound. Unclaimed dogs, after three days, will be placed for adoption for interested and qualified people.
Mass vaccinations
Juliene T. Calde, a veterinarian of the Provincial Veterenary Office, said, “Adda metlang jay responsibilities of a dog owner nga kaylangan i-consider. Kangrunaan, can provide quality food and water. Dapat may housing din siya. Tapos ipavaccine ken ka importante an ket jay anti-rabies vaccine (There are some responsibilities of a dog owner that need to be considered. Most importantly, it can provide quality food and water. Dogs should have a shelter too. Then get the dog vaccinated, and the most important thing is the anti-rabies vaccine).”
Calde also added that duringMarch, which is Rabies Awareness Month, they are conducting free mass vaccinations in every barangay. But those who did not avail during their scheduled date can still avail of the anti-rabies vaccination, but with a PHP 50 fee.
Asuncion, one of the Bontoc residents and a rider, welcomes the benefits of the impounding of stray dogs, “For me it is good, especially those dogs that are always on the road wandering around, because those dogs can cause an accident if you hit them, or suddenly cross and you’ll be shocked. So, it would be nice if those stray dogs were taken to a nice and safe place.”
With this ordinance, the municipality strengthened focus on education, enforcement, and adoption programs for both residents and animals.
