BORACAY – The head of the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MPO) in Malay, Aklan said they have intensified their campaign against stray dogs after an increasing number was observed roaming the streets of this world-famous island.
Denric Augustus Sadiasa, MPO head, said 15 stray dogs are regularly transported from Boracay Island to the sanitary landfill in mainland Malay dog pound every three days.
“Tuloy tuloy ang operation, na-sustained ito. Nag-stopped ang operation mga isang linggo dahil nasira ang sasakyan ng mga dog catchers,” he explained.
Last year, the dog-catcher teams captured 396 dogs. So far, 388 stray dogs were also removed from the streets in Malay, Aklan from January to June this year.
To date, the municipal dog pound has 45 dog cages.
According to Sadiasa, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office allocated P210,000 budget for additional 50 dog cages.
“Limited ang mga dog cages natin, palaging puno ang mga cages. Malaki ang tulong ng mga bagong cages sa ating kampanya sa stray dogs,” he added.
At least five dog catchers are operating night and day in Boracay Island with the help of municipal auxiliary police, barangay tanods and local police.
Town councilor Dante Pagsuguiron said the island is facing a population problem since stray dogs are out of the streets in the barrios.
Residents especially elders and children walking on the streets are chased down by stray dogs and dogs abandoned by their owners.
“Hindi tama na maraming stray dogs sa mga beach areas in Boracay Island, lalo na ang ang isla ay declared na rabies-free,” he stressed.
Pagsuguiron said since Boracay will open this October for local tourists, he added, it is high time to prioritize and address the concern on stray dogs.
A municipal ordinance states no animals, especially dogs, are allowed to roam freely in the beaches and other public places in Boracay. They will be caught, impounded or disposed by the barangay or authorized agents.
Town councilor Ralph Tolosa said dog owners must register their dogs at their respective barangays as required by the municipal ordinance. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
