• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government is moving forward with plans to construct a new Veterinary Office and Animal Shelter that can accommodate 500 dogs, at the existing dog pound site in Barangay 35.
In a press briefing, Mayor Greg Gasataya outlined a short-term solution for the existing problems, including the lack of electricity, water supply, and the overall conditions of the current dog pound.
Gasataya said that they will be providing solar lights as the power supply of the pound was cut off due to an unpaid bill of more than P800,000, and additional cages or apartments for dogs will also be provided.
The city will then proceed to the long term solution, which is the proposed construction of the new 2,000 square-meter City Veterinary Office and Animal Shelter Complex will come from a P10 million city loan.
The facility will include a main building, drop off area, quarantine area, general housing area, open house area, and a parking space.
The renovation for the short term plan will take 3 months, while the construction of the new pound will take 10 months, according to the City Engineer’s Office.
Gasataya added that a new Assistant City Veterinarian will be appointed following the resignation of the former staff.
He assured that the new staff have compassion for animals.
The announcement stemmed amidst public calls and a petition led by the Pawssion Project urging the closure of the current dog pound due to poor conditions and demanding the resignation of the City Veterinarian Dr. Maria Agueda Dela Torre.
“We will review the performance of the City Veterinarian,” he said, noting that official communication will be conducted.
The mayor said that he will also be meeting various animal welfare groups who are currently petitioning to remove Dela Torre from her post.*
