BACOLOD City – A proposed city ordinance that would regulate owning pets – particularly cats and dogs – has been filed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. authored the proposal to ward off “several zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to people from animals.”
These diseases include rabies infection, salmonella-induced diseases and ringworm, among others, Gamboa added.
“To efficiently eliminate such diseases, there is a need to control and regulate the possession and/or keeping of dogs and cats in homes and in businesses,” the councilor said.
The proposed ordinance would also enhance guidelines for responsible pet ownership in the city, Gamboa stressed.
The SP approved the proposal on its first reading on Monday at the session hall in the Bacolod City Government Center.
Under the proposed ordinance, owners must have their pets immunized, especially with the anti-rabies vaccine.
Pets that are three-month-old must be registered at the City Veterinary Office, the proposal stated.
After registration, the pets will be given tags.
“The absence of tag is a prima facie evidence of non-registration,” Gamboa said.
Penalties for violators vary depending on the level oftheir offense.
For first offense, violators will be fined P1,000 and/or five days of imprisonment. For second offense, they will be fined P3,000 and/or 15-day imprisonment, and for third offense, P5000 fine and/or 30-day imprisonment.
If passed, the City Health Office, the City Veterinary Office and the Barangay Public Safety Officers will implement the proposed ordinance, which is in line with Republic Act (RA) 8485, or The Animal Welfare Act of 1998, and RA 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2006./PN
