ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) unanimously approved an ordinance promoting responsible pet ownership.
The ordinance requires pet owners to bring containers and implements for the sanitary removal of their animals’ feces in the event these defecate in public places.
The feces must be properly disposed.
The goal is to ensure the “order, cleanliness and sanitation” in public areas, according to Councilor Jose Efrain “Jay” Treñas, author of the “Ordinance Requiring Pet Owners to Keep Pets on a Leash and Clean Up After Them in Public Spaces.”
Many city residents walk their pets on public spaces such as public plazas and streets, he observed.
Under Section 5 of the ordinance, all pet owners are also required to register their animals at least three months of age with the City Veterinary Office.
“Upon registration, the pet owner shall attach a tag to the collar of the pet, bearing name and address of the owner,” part of the ordinance read.
Pet owners are prohibited from taking their animals for a walk in public places without a leash or restraint.
An ordinance violator will be issued a citation ticket and fined P3,000 each time of apprehension . The fine should be paid at the City Treasurer’s Office.
The City Legal Office shall initiate the filing of a complaint if a violator fails to settle the fine within three days from the issuance of the citation ticket./PN
