Animal welfare pushed

CEBU, Philippines - A proposed ordinance, protecting and promoting the welfare of animals, has been approved on first ready by the Mandaue City Council yesterday.

The proposed measure, authored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, mandates the regulation of establishments in the city for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training animals either as objects of trade or as household pets.

These establishments have to register first at the City Veterinary Office before they will be issued business permits, the proposal said.

The measure also bans the torture, maltreatment and neglect of animals, prohibits dog and horse fights, among others.

The killing of animals (except cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabao, horse and deer) is also unlawful except when done as part of religious rituals or when the animal is afflicted by an incurable and communicable disease, as certified by a licensed veterinarian.

The killing of any animal should also be done through humane procedure, the proposed measure said. — (FREEMAN)