Ben Madilynn
BACOLOD City – Each barangay in this city is now mandated to create an animal welfare desk following the passage of Animal Welfare Ordinance of Bacolod City.
The City Council approved the ordinance on third and final reading on September 18.
Animal help desks shall be established in 61 barangays to ensure that those reporting incidents of animal cruelty and neglect may receive proper guidance and assistance, said Councilor Celia Flor, the proponent of the ordinance.
She said the ordinance aims to ensure the protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals found within the city, whether wild or domesticated, which are kept, bred, treated, trained either as objects of trade or as household pets.
“With the Animal Welfare Ordinance, we ensure the protection and dignity of animals in our community, fostering a more compassionate and responsible society,” Flor said.
An animal welfare officer shall oversee the daily operations of the desk and ensure its compliance with the ordinance, she added.
The officer, in particular, has the responsibility of responding to call for service ranging from stray animals to investigations of cruelty to animals and dog fighting, and bringing them to a shelter, where the animals are held for a certain time before being returned to their owners or put up for adoption after being spayed or neutered.
The city councilor also encouraged each barangay to establish and maintain an animal shelter to cater to the needs of stray, abandoned, or abused animals found within their area.
The shelter, she said, should be adequately staffed, equipped and operated to ensure the welfare and safety of the animals.
Any violation of the ordinance shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by existing city and national laws governing animal welfare./PN
