ILOILO City – The city government held a fashion show for pet dogs to raise public awareness on responsible pet ownership. It also served as an entertainment for children and was even dubbed “Iloilo City Halo-ween: KERnival in the City.”
The dog fashion show itself was called “AlinDOG 2018” and was also held early this week in lined with the celebration of the Animal Welfare Month.
A total of nine dogs sashayed at the Iloilo City Hall grounds (Lunok area).
“We want our children to grow up as responsible pet owners and promote a rabies-free city,” said city veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza.
He added: “Dogs are our best friends. Pwede naton sila ma-fashion show, pwede sila mahalubilo sa mga kabataan without the risk of rabies and being beaten.”
The activity also encouraged pet owners to respect animal rights and stop animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Forteza shared that the City Veterinary Office (CVO) is conducting neutering, spaying and castrating of dogs thrice a week.
“We do these every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and for free,” said Forteza.
Private veterinarians charge between P2,000 to P8,000 for these services, he stressed.
Forteza said the CVO visits four barangays every week to hold neutering, spaying and castrating of dogs.
The goal, he said, is to cover 50 percent of the total dog population in the city this year although CVO hopes to reach a hundred percent coverage in five years.
Iloilo City has a total dog population of almost 40,000.
As to the CVO’s dog vaccination program, Forteza said they have already covered 85 percent of the city’s total dog population.
“Sige-sige ang aton vaccination,” said Forteza.
CVO staged “Iloilo City Halo-ween: KERnival in the City” in cooperation with the City Population Office, Philippine Dog Welfare Association Inc., Philippine Veterinary Medical Association –Panay-Guimaras-Negros Chapter, and Yasa Petshop./PN
