The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance governing the care, maintenance and welfare of horses and the operation of horseback riding activities in the city.
Under the proposed ordinance, welfare considerations are important for the keeping and farming of horses, thus, standard procedures in animal welfare are not only legally important but they also have direct economic benefits because they enhance productivity.
Further, good husbandry is essential for good welfare, modern breeding, feeding, housing, and management system of horses, thus, it will lead to an improvement in the quality of life, as well as in the performance of the horses.
The ordinance stipulated that all horses at the age of 2 years shall be registered at the City Treasury Office. A lifetime registration fee of P200 shall be collected per horse. Methods of horse identification depends on the choice of the owner. Surgical interventions to remove registered brands shall be prohibited. Tattoos, markings and other identification gadgets imbedded in the animal shall not be altered and branding shall be done with efforts to reduce the pain. Branding on the face is strictly prohibited while the use of microchips is highly recommended.
The ordinance added that horse owners and handlers shall make sure that their horses shall have completed two years before they are allowed to ride; horse padlocks, stables and trail tracks shall be kept safe; horses that are totally blind, including those with unilateral blindness shall not be allowed to ride; the use of sharp and pointed spurs shall be prohibited; excessive use of the whip during a ride shall not be allowed; horses with gross anatomical lesions on joints as well as any other discomfort, illnesses or infectious diseases, and physical infirmities that affect their flexibilities and are showing signs of lameness shall not be allowed to ride; minors are not allowed to handle horses during horseback riding; horse handlers shall be responsible to collect the horse manure, especially on public roads; the safety of all customers shall be the responsibility of horse handlers; minor riders shall always be accompanied by trained handlers during horseback riding; horses shall be provided with minimum equipment and accessories; damages that may arise during horseback riding activities such as accidents and physical injuries shall be settled by both parties; horse handlers shall observe proper hygiene at all times and horse owners shall secure business permit for horseback riding activities.
Moreover, all horse owner or handler associations shall be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or any authorized government agency and shall submit updated list of officers and members to the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).
The ordinance tasked the CVAO to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed measure and shall also implement additional rules and regulations not covered by the same pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.
Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect shall, upon conviction by final judgement, be punished by imprisonment and/or fine, ranging from one year and six months and one day to two years and/or fine not exceeding PhP100,000 more or less. By Dexter A. See
