Ban of stray animals on roads pushed

CEBU, Philippines – The presence of stray animals in major roads and highways in the province of Cebu are among the causes of some vehicular accidents and is believed to be a potential danger to the riding public and the people in general.

Seeing this situation, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy proposed an ordinance prohibiting the presence of stray animals in main roads and highways in the entire province.

In his proposed measure, Sitoy said there are numerous reports of serious road accidents caused by livestock, household pets and other stray animals wandering on busy roads and highways and eventually colliding directly with moving vehicles.

But according to a pet owner, Ignacio Perez, these incidents should be blamed on irresponsible pet owners who do not take care of their animals properly.

"Naa ma'y hilig og hayop pero dili kahibaw muatiman, ilaha gyud unta nang resposibilidad kay ila gud nang kabubut-on nga magbuhi ug hayop unya pasagdan lang labi na nang naa magpuyo daplin sa karsada," he told The FREEMAN.

The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to promote road safety at all times and in all places within the jurisdiction of the province of Cebu by aiming to significantly reduce the occurrence of vehicular accidents caused by animals straying into the path of moving vehicles.

The proposed measure also wants stray animals impounded and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian is authorized to identify and contact the owners of the impounded animals for them to redeem their pets.

Owners of impounded pets need to pay an administrative redemption fee of P500 for the first incident; P1,000 for the second incident, and P2,000 for the third incident. They also need to present an Affidavit of Ownership and other proofs of ownership.

If the animals are unredeemed by the owners within 15 days from its impoundment, the ownership of the impounded animals is considered forfeited in favor of the Cebu Provincial Government. (FREEMAN)