By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 13 early this week creating the Animal Welfare Task Force which aims to identify, reassess, and act on animal welfare concerns here with the primary goal of ensuring responsible pet ownership.
This development came after series of meetings with animal rights group advocates concerning the situation of dogs here.
According to Bach Project PH, a non-profit organization which is into animal advocacy, there are more things discussed aside from turning a high-kill pound to a non-kill shelter.
The group noted that the goal of impounding is to stop the spread of rabies, which is commendable. “But rabies is usually spread by stray dogs that have been abandoned or neglected by their owners,” the group said in a statement.
The dog and cat population increases because of these strays, thus the group has proposed spaying and neutering services which is cheaper instead of killing them despite their innocence.
The Executive Order stated that the task force shall formulate and implement plans and programs for the welfare of animals here, as well as to educate the community to become responsible pet owners.
The city recognizes the concerns of animals right groups advocating responsible dog ownership and safeguarding the welfare of impounded animals in the city dog pound, the order said.
It was also cited in the order that City Ordinance No. 866, empowers the city government to regulate the keeping of domesticated animals and to control stray and ownerless animals especially dogs and cats.
The task force is led by Leonardia, with Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran as co-chair, City Veterinarian as vice chair; and with members from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), City Legal Office (CLO), City Health Office (CHO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Public Information Office (PIO), and volunteer animal welfare groups (BACH Project Ph and PAWSsion Project Ph).
The Sectoral Concerns Office of the City Mayor’s Office is designated as the Secretariat of the Task Force.
Following the creation of the task force, the group expressed their gratitude to the local government for giving a big chance and hope to the innocent and poor animals.
The group also said that other concerns were also discussed during the series of meetings, and long-term solutions are on the way.
In November last year, Bach Project PH initiated an adoption drive to save more than 75 dogs, including puppies, from euthanasia.
