Animal welfare group urges free spay-neuter and anti-rabies programs in LGUs

May 16, 2024 , 03:53 PM

By Lace Anne Ebuña

(May 16, 2024) – Biyaya Animal Care, an animal welfare organization, called on local government units (LGUs) to allocate funds for free spaying, neutering, and anti-rabies vaccinations during a Senate hearing on the amendment of the Animal Welfare Act on Wednesday, May 15.

The group pointed out that many LGUs do not prioritize or allocate budgets for the care of stray animals, leaving non-governmental organizations to cover the costs.

“It is important because it will stop stray dogs, cruelty, and the dog meat trade. We really feel it is crucial that the LGUs get into the habit of offering free spaying and neutering,” said Biyaya Animal Care CEO and co-founder Marina Rosa Ortiz.

Ortiz argued that spaying and neutering programs are more cost-effective for local government units compared to capturing strays, which often leads to overcrowded impounds where animals are euthanized if not adopted.

Senators Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar expressed support for the initiative, noting the importance of controlling stray animal populations and addressing the rising incidence of rabies in the country.

On Thursday, Sen. Poe advocated for animal welfare programs in barangays to ensure swift action against incidents of animal cruelty. She noted that under Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code, the provision of veterinary services has been delegated to local government units. However, the code specifies that only provinces and cities are required to have their own veterinary officers, resulting in a shortage of veterinary personnel in smaller municipalities.

The senator lamented that many animals are neglected, abandoned, or starved to death in animal pounds, or fall victim to animal cruelty. Meanwhile,irresponsible owners have permitted their unvaccinated pets to cause nuisance, fear, or harm to communities.

Citing her Senate Bill No. 2458, which seeks to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act, she expressed her aim to establish standards geared towards promoting responsible pet ownership, as well as ethical behavior and accountability from all those who have control over or provide care to animals.

(PB)

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