• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said that they are now coordinating with the City Veterinary Office (CVO) to trace the seven victims reportedly bitten by a stray dog at the Bacolod City Public Plaza to ensure they get anti-rabies vaccine.
The city administrator said that while the city must manage the impounding of stray dogs due to limited space of the pound, this case is an exception that requires immediate capture.
He noted that despite the current space constraints, the dog must be secured to prevent further injuries and protect public safety.
Mayo said that the CVO is conducting search efforts to locate the animal and prevent further similar incidents.
The CVO described the dog as a small brown animal with a visible limp and tie around its neck.
“We ask the public to report any sightings and to avoid approaching stray animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior,” the CVO said in a statement.
In addition, Mayo reminded pet owners to exercise responsibility to avoid harming others, warning that negligence will draw sanctions under the city’s Responsible Pet Ownership Ordinance.*
