Talisay SP condemns brutality on stray dog

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao and Councilor Bernard Joseph T. Odilao criticized the person who subjected a stray dog named “Kenneth” to rough treatment.

“The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the city of Talisay supports, protects and promotes the welfare of all animals in the city. The Sangguniang Panlungsod condemns brutal acts on animals,” the local legislators said in their joint proposed resolution sponsored and submitted to the city council for approval. 

Last September 29, the dog’s lower jaw was cut but the skin kept it from being separated completely. Veterinarians who examined the dog said his snout must have been struck by a sharp object.

Veterinarians said the dog had been wandering for more than two weeks with the untreated wound.

The plight of the dog attracted online attention after pictures of the dog was posted in Facebook last Oct. 3.

This led to a campaign initiated by two groups — the Cebu South Dog Club Inc. (CSDCI) and the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) — to raise funds for Kenneth’s treatment, which led to a surgery last Oct. 8 at the Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital on Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City.

A team of eight doctors and three veterinary assistants supervised the four-hour surgery on Kenneth’s face.

Bucao and Odilao said the person responsible for the brutal act must be punished. 

Under Republic Act 8485 or the Philippine Animal Welfare Act, abuse against animals is punishable by imprisonment of 6 months to two years and a fine of P1,000 to P5,000 or both. (FREEMAN)