ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) are setting a new benchmark in animal welfare with the establishment of dedicated Animal Welfare Desks in all 10 city police precincts, creating a powerful deterrent against animal cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership.
The city’s initiative has gained praise from the local animal welfare advocate groups like the Furry Friends Second Chance and Team Rescue Iloilo.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the city government and authorities. The presence of animal welfare desks is a powerful deterrent to animal cruelty, as it assures the public that such cases are taken seriously,” said Shiela Marie Barredo of Furry Friends Second Chance.
The City Council earlier passed the Iloilo City Animal Welfare Ordinance, which mandates the establishment of Animal Welfare Desks in all 10 police stations, each with a designated Animal Welfare Officer.
These desks provide a venue for legal action on reported animal cruelty cases, such as starvation, neglect, and improper confinement.
This initiative cements Iloilo City’s position as a leader in animal welfare, setting an example for other local government units to follow.
“Be responsible pet owners because Iloilo City now has police animal welfare desks and measures have been locally institutionalized,” another animal welfare advocate, Marivic Lai of Team Rescue Iloilo, said.
A launching program and ceremonial signing of Pledge of Commitment were held at Iloilo City Police Station 7 (Tanza) on Nov. 22.
Various stakeholders who are committed to be Animal Welfare Enforcers of Iloilo City took part in the signing.
“As an Animal Welfare Enforcer of Iloilo City, I hereby pledge to uphold the law and strictly adhere to all animal welfare laws, regulations and ordinances. I will enforce these laws with integrity, impartiality and fairness,” read part of the pledge.
Violators will incur fines ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 and face revocation of their right to own a pet animal.
Pets or companion animals, under Regulation Ordinance No. 2024-141, are defined as any domesticated or tamed animal maintained primarily for companionship, protection, or enjoyment, rather than being used as working animals, livestock, or for laboratory research.
Councilor Ely Estante, chairperson of the city council’s animal welfare committee, expressed eagerness for the creation of an Animal Welfare Council.
“Accredited NGOs will have a representation in the council. This will steer the direction for us in the city and the related ordinances passed for promoting animal welfare here,” Estante said.
Meanwhile, to complement this initiative, Barredo encouraged pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered to prevent the birth of animals that might otherwise face neglect or abandonment and generally protect the broader public health.
To note, the Iloilo City government offers these services for free at the USWAG Spay and Neuter Community Clinic at Motorpool Compound in Delgado Street, Barangay Infante, Molo.
MOVING FORWARD
To follow this step in making Iloilo City a safe space for animals, the city government will reach out to schools for a widespread information dissemination campaign.
“We plan to partner with schools and have our students and stakeholders understand the importance of anti-rabies vaccination, waste management, especially in public spaces, and general welfare,” Councilor Jose Maria Miguel Treñas, author of the ordinance, said.
He also revealed that they plan to establish animal shelters per district and, at the grassroots level, create animal welfare committees in barangays.
He added that they would fast-track the establishment of the Iloilo City Pound and Animal Shelter.
The city will also endeavor to implement a Pet Identification and Unified Data Storage with Microchip System (PIUOSMS), wherein each registered dog or cat shall be implanted with a microchip, a permanent and tamper-proof electronic/digital identification and data storage system./PN
