THE provincial government of Negros Occidental said it is constructing more animal rescue centers that will serve as temporary shelters for livestock and poultry in times of disasters.
Aside from the two existing facilities in Sagay City and Hinobaan town which opened last year, two additional centers are also in the pipeline. These will soon rise in San Carlos City and Moises Padilla.
“The plan is to establish two animal rescue centers each in the north and the south to cater to localities where animal population is increasing,” Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said on Sunday.
He joined Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson during a recent visit to the site in Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City, where the third animal rescue center costing P4.79 million will be constructed and expected to open next year.
The facility will have a well-ventilated building, animal pens for both large and small animals, feeder, complete water system and waste management, and electrical system.
Since the building is multi-purpose, it will also be used by the local government unit as a holding corral or part of a breeding center for animals.
Negros Occidental can be considered as the first province in the country to have established rescue centers for animals displaced during calamities or disasters, Decena said.
He added providing protection for animals not only adheres to the Animal Welfare Act, but also helps prevent losses and sustain animal production during disasters. (with report from PNA/PN)
