109 stray dogs impounded, 59 litterbugs apprehended in Makati

Stray dogs are rampant in Makati City and the city government has once again addressed the problem.

Mayor Jejomar Binay reported that 109 stray dogs were impounded by the Makati City Veterinary Office (MCVO) and the Department of Public Safety ( MAPSA).

Based on the data of the MCVO, the most number of impounded dogs came from Barangay Rizal with 32 followed by Pembo with 23; Pio del Pilar, 13, South Cembo, 11, Carmona, 8; Bangkal, 7; Cembo, 6; Pitogo, 5; and Kasilawan, 4.

Binay called for the re-intensified campaign against stray dogs after receiving reports that there were once again several cases of rabies in the city.

He pointed out that the city had zero incidence of dog bite during the period 1998 to 2000 when his wife Dr. Elenita Binay was mayor.

The city has an ordinance requiring all dog owners to register their pets in their respective barangays.

All dogs are also required to undergo anti-rabies vaccination if the owners have not yet done so on their own.

The ordinance also requires the owners to take measures to prevent their dogs from roaming the streets unaccompanied.

MCVO chief Dr. Vivien Manalastas said that the owners of the apprehended stray dogs would be summoned by barangay officials and made to pay the corresponding fines should the dogs turn out to be unregistered.

Meanwhile, Makati Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) nabbed a total of 59 litterbugs in midnight operations conducted from Feb. 7 to 15.

In a report submitted to Binay, SWMD chief Raul Javier said 19 of the litterbugs were made to render community service by joining a day-long clean-up drive along major roads of Makati. Two who resisted arrest were detained at the Makati Police Headquarters.

Fourteen of the 59 violators were meted a fine of P500 each and the remaining 24 were summoned by the office of the SWMD for disciplinary action, Javier said.

Javier said the renewed campaign against illegal dumping of garbage is in consonance with Mayor Binay’s directive to arrest undisciplined residents who dump their household wastes in prohibited areas or at the wrong time.

He said residents should comply with the schedules of collection of garbage to avoid the penalties imposed by the city government.

The SWMD picks up biodegradable wastes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while non-biodegradable garbage is gathered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.