• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance mandating the barangay councils of the City of Bacolod to establish an animal welfare desk on its premises to cater to animal abuse cases and reports, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading yesterday.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor said that according to the data shared by an animal welfare organization in Bacolod City, PAWSsion Project, the city has around 100,000 stray dogs.
Numerous animal welfare initiatives and programs have been launched including the “Libre Kapon” program of the Office of Councilor Al Espino with the purpose of controlling stray dogs and cats’ population in the city.
Additionally, the City Government of Bacolod showed support to the cause of animal welfare through granting financial assistance amounting to P500,000 to animal welfare organization, PAWSsion Project, to care for dogs at the City Pound, it said.
The ordinance to be called the “Animal Welfare Desk Ordinance of Bacolod City” provides for the establishment of Animal Welfare Desk in barangay halls to ensure that those reporting incidents of animal cruelty and neglect may receive proper guidance and assistance, the ordinance said.
Any resident of the barangay who has witnessed a case of animal cruelty may report the matter to the Animal Welfare Desk. Depending on the gravity of the case, the officer-in-charge will record the incident, prepare a witness affidavit detailing the incident of animal cruelty, and take necessary action. The action may be, but is not limited to the following: intervention of barangay officials, refer the report to the City Veterinarian’s Office, or refer the case to the police, it added.*
