(Image courtesy of Albee Benitez Facebook page)
BACOLOD CITY – The city government here launched on Friday an online animal welfare concerns desk dubbed the Alaga.BCD as part of the observance of Rabies Awareness Month this March.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the initiative would be implemented by the City Veterinary Office together with various advocates in the city.
“(This) is the perfect time to start Alaga.BCD. After our talks with various animal welfare groups, this project was born,” he said in a statement.
Pet owners and concerned citizens can use the #IsugidKayMayor QR (quick response) code and link to report and seek assistance for their concerns.
These include response to impounding of strays, aggressive, and uncontrollable dogs or cats, rabid dogs, animal abuse, irresponsible pet ownership, and emergencies, such as accidents and illnesses.
Requests for spaying and neutering and rabies vaccination, as well as concerns on adoption, rehoming, fostering, and rescue can also be addressed to Alaga.BCD.
“Our various volunteer groups will be happy to assist and an education campaign will go hand in hand with the city’s rabies vaccination campaign, he added.
Animal welfare groups working with the city government include PAWSsion Project Foundation Inc., Community Animal Rescue Efforts Inc., Bacolod Animal Chance and Hope Project PH, Bacolod Aspin Rescue Kennel, Inspyred, Fur Haven Sanctuary, and Animal Kindness.
Earlier, the city government also partnered with PAWSsion Project by granting the group financial assistance of PHP500,000 for stray animal management and to provide care for dogs at the Bacolod City Dog Pound.
There are at least 108 impounded dogs at the city pound located on Alunan Avenue, Barangay 35. (PNA)
