ILOILO City – In “hot water” for the euthanizing or “mercy killing” of stray dogs, city government veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza Jr. has decided to retire by the end of this year.
Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed having received a letter from Forteza about it.
“Asta na lang sia December 2022,” Treñas said.
Forteza cited his health as reason for retiring.
The city mayor recently approved the recommendation of the investigation team to file an administrative complaint against Forteza over the killing of stray dogs on July 20, 2022 in Barangay Navais, Mandurriao district.
Also recommended for filing of charges are the eight members of the team that carried out the dog euthanasia namely Restituto “Jong” Ebrada, Junivel Sampiano, Joseph Sebreno, Raymund Rovido, Lito Amonador, Elanger Suating, Julio Forteza, and Markwel Clamor.
According to the investigation team headed by Atty. Joseph Edward Areño and Atty. Lloni R. Viterbo of the City Legal Office, Forteza failed to prove by evidence that the dogs killed were dangerous, suffering from pain or discomfort, or diagnosed with a disease.
The investigation team cited the policy of the state is not to euthanize stray dogs outright but to impound them, make them available for adoption, and only under exceptional situations such as when they are found sick or rabid or vicious or some other justifiable purpose that the law sanctions killing them whether instantly or after observation period.
“To emphasize, in the absence of evidence and/or proper declaration by the City Health Office, Dr. Forteza’s claim of a ‘rabies emergency’ does not have any factual basis. Hence, the 11 dogs apprehended should have been impounded for three days. Even if it is true that these 11 dogs were suspected with being afflicted with rabies, they should have been isolated and observed accordingly and upon death must be submitted for laboratory examination,” read part of the probe team report to Treñas./PN
