BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance allowing any person to conduct non-contact apprehension by taking video or photo on any violations of pertinent provisions of Ordinance No. 09, series of 2008 which amended Ordinance No. 061, series of 1993 and Ordinance No. 82, series of 1948 which required dogs to be subjected to anti-rabies vaccination, prescribing fees for such vaccination and providing for other purposes.
The ordinance authored by Councilors Joel Alangsab and Michael L. Lawana stated the video or photo taken by concerned individuals may be presented as proof of ownership to the City Veterinary Office, to allow the said office to make the necessary action pursuant to the pertinent provisions of the local legislative measure.
Under the ordinance, any dog owner caught on video or camera committing the irresponsible act as stated in the pertinent provisions of the measure shall be penalized pursuant to the said ordinance with a fine of not more than P1,000 and or imprisonment of not more than 6 months upon the discretion of the court.
The ordinance added the City Veterinary Office, in coordination with the concerned barangay, will be authorized to implement the provisions of the measure.
The proponents stated the taking of videos and photos of animals shall be applicable whenever they are straying, roaming around, defecating, urinating in places within their barangays until the said animals return to their owners.
Further, it shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep dogs in his possession without registering the same with the concerned barangay and previously subjecting the said animals to anti-rabies vaccination to be done by the city veterinarian who shall conduct periodic anti-rabies vaccination in the barangay or barangay districts of the city.
It shall likewise be unlawful for owners of dogs to allow their dogs on the loose outside of their residences or premises.
The proponents noted irresponsible ownership of dogs continues to bring about many dangers and nuisances to the general public, particularly the unyielding rate of dog bites per year as well as the unsightly conditions of the community brought by the fact that dog owners often times allow their dogs on the loose outside of their residences or premises to either roam or defecate.
Earlier, the local government adopted Ordinance No. 09, series of 2008 that amended Ordinance No. 061, series of 1993, and Ordinance No. 82, series of 1948 that required dogs to be subjected to anti-rabies vaccination, prescribing fees for such vaccination and providing for other purposes primarily to curb the curb the above problem, however, the City Veterinary Office lacks the necessary manpower and resources to effectively monitor the implementation of the subject measure from the 128 barangays of the city, thus, public participation is essential for the effective implementation of the measure.
Consequently, the proponents argued public participation does not guarantee full implementation of the ordinance considering the apathetic public reaction which is common to all for fear of reprisals from the violators who is usually their neighbors in the community.
By Dexter A. See, photo by Bong Cayabyab