ILOILO – To protect stray dogs, the local government unit (LGU) of Lambunao has set up an animal shelter in Barangay Pandan, a first in this province.
The 1,000-square meter animal shelter was established through the effort of the municipal and provincial governments, according to Mayor Reynor Gonzales.
For Gonzales, stray dogs can pose a serious threat to human life, especially if they are carriers of the rabies virus.
The virus, which is present in the saliva of an infected animal, is passed to a human through a bite, or rarely, when the animalâs saliva gets in contact with a scratch or fresh break in the skin.
In addition to the risk of being bitten, Gonzales said stray dogs also dig up garbage on the streets or could cause road accidents.
The provincial government provided P800,000 while the LGU contributed P600,000.
Gonzales said stray dogs would be rounded up by a team from the municipal government.
The LGU is also open to dog lovers for adoption.
Gonzales called on dog owners to be responsible of their pets by having them vaccinated against rabies.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. lauded the municipal government, saying the animal shelter is a âbig help to solve the rabies concerns in the province.â/PN
