BACOLOD City – Animal advocates in this city urged the public to report dog meat trading to the authorities.
The Community Animal Rescue Efforts (CARE), Inc. has received several complaints that dog meat trading is getting rampant in the city.
Some were buying live dogs in the city – allegedly at P50 per head – and disposing of them outside Bacolod already in meat form, according to Ai-ai Gamboa, vice president of CARE.
She urged concerned citizens to take photos or videos to serve as evidence against those committing the criminal act, she added.
The Bacolod Animal Chance and Hope Project Ph is offering a reward to those who would report, Gamboa also said.
The maltreatment and slaughter of dogs for consumption are prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
Moreover, the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines prohibits eating dog meat because it may carry diseases like rabies.
CARE and other animal group advocates discussed yesterday, June 20, with Councilor Celia Flor the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in the city.
The city has scheduled a free spaying drive on July 18, but only 400 dogs and cats could be accommodated.
There were about 72,000 stray and owned dogs and cats in the city, according to the City Veterinary Office.
The councilor also eyes a resolution urging the barangays and police stations to have an animal welfare desk so the public can report cruelty against animals anytime./PN
