Mayor denies dog euthanasia claims

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King-Chan has denied allegations that the city government routinely euthanizes impounded dogs in preparation for the annual Ironman 70.3 race, saying the city's animal control operations are conducted year-round for public safety and not solely for the international triathlon.

“Dili raman Ironman ang atong pagpa-impound sa mga iro,” King-Chan said in an interview on Friday, August 7.

The mayor said stray animals are regularly impounded because they pose risks to motorists and pedestrians, adding that the city continues to deal with a large number of stray animals while also recording a high demand for anti-rabies vaccinations.

According to King-Chan, impounded animals are brought to the City Veterinary Office, where they are properly cared for. She said Lapu-Lapu City Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president Daday Chan had personally visited the facility and witnessed the condition of the animals.

“We take care of them (impounded animals),” King-Chan assured.

She also dismissed allegations that the city routinely euthanizes impounded animals.

“Dili na tinuod,” she said.

The mayor, however, acknowledged that euthanasia may be considered only in exceptional cases involving animals that are seriously ill or suffering to prevent the spread of disease among other rescued animals.

“It’s a humane thing to do,” King-Chan said, emphasizing that euthanasia is neither a normal nor routine practice of the city government.

Public safety

King-Chan said the city's animal control operations extend beyond stray dogs and include livestock such as cattle and goats that wander onto roads and endanger motorists.

She cited reports from barangay officials in Barangay Bangkal about herds of cattle roaming public roads, resulting in motorcycle accidents.

The mayor said barangays have sought the city's assistance in capturing and removing stray animals from roads. Similar operations, she added, were conducted when Lapu-Lapu City hosted activities related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in May.

Her statement came after the Mayari Animal Rescue Organization (MARO) renewed allegations that stray dogs were being impounded and euthanized ahead of the Ironman 70.3 race.

MARO earlier claimed that the practice had been occurring for years and urged authorities to adopt a non-impounding approach to managing stray animals. Both the Lapu-Lapu City government and Ironman organizer Sunrise Events Inc. have denied any knowledge of routine euthanasia linked to the event.

King-Chan also questioned why MARO raised the issue only recently despite Lapu-Lapu having hosted Ironman races for several years.

She said the group has yet to formally communicate with her office but expressed openness to dialogue.

“I would welcome that they would write to me and give me their concerns so that it can addressed,” she said.

The mayor maintained that the city government is committed to both animal welfare and public safety.

“We do what is allowed by the government, naa man tay laws protecting the people and protecting the animals,” she said.

Tourism boost

King-Chan also defended the city's continued hosting of the Ironman 70.3, citing its contribution to tourism and the local economy.

She said athletes and their companions stay in local hotels, dine at restaurants, and help promote Lapu-Lapu City to international visitors.

According to the mayor, the event attracts participants from about 50 countries, providing the city with valuable global exposure and encouraging future tourism.

“We want ba magpadayon ang Ironman sa Lapu-Lapu City,” she said.

More than 1,400 triathletes from around the world are expected to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu on Sunday, August 9.

King-Chan said all preparations for the international triathlon have been completed ahead of the event.

The annual race features a 1.9-kilometer swim, a 90-kilometer bike ride, and a 21.1-kilometer run across various parts of Lapu-Lapu City. (CEBU NEWS)