Public urged: Don’t buy pups from street vendors

CEBU, Philippines — Following reports of the resurgence of street puppy vendors, the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has issued a public advisory, urging people not to buy puppies sold on sidewalks.

Officials warn that these animals may come from unvaccinated mothers and could be rabies carriers. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Dr. Alice Utlang of the DVMF used her personal social media page to raise the alarm, specifically mentioning the sale of puppies on Colon Street.

In an interview, Dr. Utlang explained that this warning follows a past case in which a puppy bought from a public street in Cebu City was later found to be a carrier of rabies.

She noted the importance of vigilance, especially since the origins of these puppies are often unknown.

“Nya ang mama ana (dogs) wa mabakunado so may tendency ang puppies ang nagdala sa rabbies,” said Utlang.

Dr. Utlang also emphasized that these sales violate the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the sale of underage puppies and mandates that all such sales be conducted through registered pet shops. Selling puppies too soon after birth, she said, can compromise their health and well-being.

She further stressed that puppies sold through legitimate pet shops should be vaccinated not only against rabies but also against other diseases.

Utlang confirmed that the DVMF has once again received reports of street puppy sales. While previous reports had emerged from the Fuente area and eventually died down, the activity appears to have resumed.

“Nya karon nabalik napud, bag-o lang na nga gi report sa atoa nga naay ingon ana nga namaligya,” Utlang said.

In response, the DVMF has partnered with the Prevention, Restoration, Order, and Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) team to remove these unauthorized sellers from the streets.

Though there have been no recent sightings of illegal breeding hubs in Cebu City, Dr. Utlang underscored that breeding must be done with proper permits and registration from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Breeders are also required to follow guidelines on cage sizes and must have access to a licensed veterinarian.

“Don’t buy puppies nga gibaligya lang sa kilid kay we don’t know where it come from. Kinahanglan gani no nga bisan sa pag adopt it should be vaccinated for rabbies… please don’t patronize,” she added.

Dr. Utlang encouraged the public to consider adoption from their facility as a safer and more responsible option.

So far this year, eight rabies cases have been reported. In 2024, a total of 27 rabies cases were logged by the DVMF. Dr. Utlang said they remain committed to eliminating rabies in Cebu City and have trained vaccinators as part of the effort to promote responsible pet ownership.

As temperatures continue to rise, Dr. Utlang also reminded farmers and pet owners to take extra care of their animals during the dry season. The DVMF has been running programs to ensure animals stay healthy and hydrated.

“Diri sa atong office, gi-remind gihapon nato sila nga ipasilong gyud ang ilahang mga hayop, either sa ilawom sa kahoy or kanang naa bay payag nila, basta di lang gyud directly ma-expose sa init,” she said.

She also advised owners to ensure their animals have access to water at all times. While no cases of heatstroke in animals have yet been reported, the DVMF is proactively distributing vitamins and deworming treatments to keep animals in good health.

“So, mao nay atong usual nga gihimo karon kay lisod kaayo nga kanang maingon ana unya naay ma-heatstroke ba,” Dr. Utlang said.

Though many farmers already know how to care for their animals during the dry season, Dr. Utlang reiterated that pet owners must also be responsible.

“Sa mga tag-iya sad sa iro nga kung mahimo paimnon gyud nila tagaan gyud og daghang tubig, pakan-on. Unya dayon dili nila bugawon og naa sa sulod sa ilang balay, o pasagdan nalang, kay tungod sa kainit,” she advised.

The DVMF is also intensifying its anti-rabies vaccination program for dogs.

“Mamaak ang iro because sometimes they are aburido... And the dog, pareha pod sa tawo, di man siya mosuroy. Nganong mosuroy man siya nga init man kaayo, nga mapaso man ilahang paw, so mao na nga naa siya sa sulod sa balay,” Dr. Utlang explained.

“Mao na nga ato gyud gipahingusgan ang pamakuna, so as simbako ba matumban nila ang ilang iro, mapaakan sila, at least ang iro nga namaak vaccinated, dili ta makuyawan,” she added. —/FPL (FREEMAN)