ROSARIO, Cavite – A village here on Monday started the strict implementation of a local ordinance that prohibits dogs from roaming around the village to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases due to animal bites.
Sapa Dos village chairperson Joseph 'Bagyo' Pacifico warned residents and homeowners to keep their pets, especially dogs, off the streets as they will impose penalties to erring pet owners.
"Paki tali po ang ating mga alagang aso, upang hindi makakagat ng mga dumadaan sa lugar at hindi po makapagkalat ng mga basura sa kalsada (let us put dog leash or straps so we could avoid passers-by from being bitten and avoid the trashes strewn on streets by stray dogs),” Pacifico said.
The village ordinance gives teeth to a 2010 town ordinance which regulates ownership, custody of dogs and cats and imposes penalties to violators.
“All stray dogs will be impounded at the Barangay Pound Center in each barangay,” Pacifico noted as the town’s ordinance also ordered, literally not letting the dogs out of their homes.
He said the village law metes the corresponding penalties of summoning erring pet owners for the first offense; fine of PHP300 for the second offense; and a fine of PHP500 for the 3rd offense.
The local ordinance also requires pet owners to register their felines, kennels and other animals with the Municipal Agriculture Office.
Pet owners are enjoined to bring their pets to the Municipal Agriculture Office for free anti-rabies vaccination and advised for the proper keeping of their pets animals in their respective backyards.
Realizing the importance of the local village ordinance, a neighboring villager said, “Sana meron na rin po sa barangay namin ng barangay ordinance na 'yan (I wish we also have that ordinance in our village).” (Dennis Abrina/PNA)
