BAGUIO CITY – The City Council sought an intensified campaign against stray dogs in the city via Resolution No. 182-18 where the councilors asked the City Veterinary Office to strictly implement Ordinance No. 25-2000 on dogs and public animal pound and Mayor Mauricio Domogan to deputize barangay officials, tanods, policemen and garbage collectors to seize stray animals.
Coun. Lilia Fariñas who authored the resolution approved by Domogan last week said there was an apparent increase of stray dogs in the barangays which increases the chances of dog bites and the spread of rabies.
With the presence of these unleashed dogs comes the problem of excrements scattered along roads posing inconvenience and health problems.
This happens despite the existence of the ordinance because of the negligence of pet owners.
Farinas said that Section 25, Chapter 5 of the ordinance tasked the City Veterinary Office for the establishment, maintenance and supervision of the Public Animal Pound and the office should strictly implement the measure to address the problem.
At the same time section 26 provides that the mayor can appoint a pound keeper and such other assistants and laborers as may be necessary to impound all stray animals within the City.
Farinas said the section also covers the deputation of barangay officials, volunteers and barangay tanods, police and garbage collectors to seize stray animals and thus it is high time to do it.
By Aileen P. Refuerzo
