MALAY, Aklan – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) is considering amendments in the existing responsible pet ownership ordinance.
The SB is taking the measure amid reports of increasing stray dog bite incidents in Malay, including the world-famous island Boracay.
Municipal Ordinance No. 302 was passed in Sept. 6, 2011. It “prohibits stray, unwanted and unvaccinated dogs from roaming around public places.”
It aims to “protect inhabitants from the danger of rabies and [promote] responsible pet ownership.”
Under the ordinance, pet owners are required to register their pets in the barangay for a fee of P300.
The fee will cover the cost of the pet tag and anti-rabies vaccination. Registration must be done every year.
The ordinance also established municipal and barangay rabies control and consultative committees to ensure proper, effective and sustainable implementation of the rabies control program.
Among the amendments proposed for the ordinance were limiting the number of dogs a person can own and improving field control mechanisms like impounding and disposition of stray dogs.
“Matagal na itong problema sa stray dogs sa Malay. Walang aako sa responsibilidad sa pagpapagamot ‘pag nakakagat na ang kanilang aso,” said Councilor Floribar Bautista.
In the first half of the year, a total of 1,056 dogs and cats in Barangay Balabag in Boracay were vaccinated; in Barangay Manoc-manoc, 1,400; and in Barangay Yapak, 583.
During the period, 223 stray dogs and cats were captured. There were 156 still unclaimed by owners, 22 claimed and 25 adopted by the animal rescue center in Kalibo.
Last year, the Municipal Agriculture Office led house-to-house visits for animal immunization in Boracay and mainland Malay. Over 5,000 dogs were vaccinated. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
