Owners told to secure pets during New Year fete

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has released an advisory to help pet owners take better care of their pets as the country celebrates the New Year, which may involve multiple firecracker explosions.

DVMF head Dr. Alice Utlang said that they have already issued an advisory, especially for those who own dogs, to avoid the use of firecrackers that could jeopardize the safety of pets, including livestock.

Utlang said that as of yesterday, they have been advising pet owners to exercise their pets, take them for walks, and ensure they are well-fed.

“Kay aron, sakto og kaon, busog, di ra kaayo mahadlok. Di ra kaayo ma-stress. Tapos ang ilang mga iro, sugdan nilag pa-music og kusog para accustomed nga dunay mga buto dili ra kaayo sila mahadlok or maapektohan,” said Utlang.

She also suggested that if pets have earplugs, it is better to put them on just before the celebration begins. Another method she recommended is to wrap pets in a towel and place them in a room with music.

“Luoy lang nato kaayo kay kanang mga iro nato sa kalsada nga kung magbuto tawon, mangawala,” said Utlang.

Additionally, she suggested that pet owners with houses that do not have fences should place identification tags on their dogs as a precautionary measure in case they escape.

It was reported that those planning to mark their new year’s celebrations with fireworks and pyrotechnics may need to think twice before doing so, as the Cebu City Government has issued an Executive Order (EO) outlining its regulations.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia officially announced that the EO has been in effect since December 19, 2024.

“So basically, there is a designation of the fireworks zone, which is imperative and important,” said Garcia.

He added that it will be the barangay, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local police who will determine which areas are suitable for firecracker zones.

The EO is titled “An Order Prescribing the Rules and Regulations on the Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices, Including the Conduct of Fireworks Displays within the City of Cebu.”

Its general prohibition states that staging fireworks displays in private households, residential areas, and hospitals is strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, Utlang also joined her team from the Provincial-City-Municipal Veterinaries League in a veterinary mission to one of the affected areas of the Mount Kanlaon explosion.

Utlang said they visited the area in La Carlota, which has two barangays that were affected. According to her, the area has a shelter where all the animals and livestock are placed, and they were able to check on them there.

“Nag-distribute mi didto og mga vitamins, supplements, ug katong mga spray kung naay mangasamad, napilasan nga mga hayop,” said Utlang.

She added that they provided assistance to the city veterinarians of La Carlota and Bago City.  — (FREEMAN)