Pasay bans stray dogs

The Pasay City Council has approved a resolution requiring dog owners to put their pets on leashes to stem what it described as "many incidents of dog bites" causing death to children in some instances.

"Barangay officials have their hands full in avoiding or stopping the messy waste and bites of stray dogs (and this could be resolved) by securing the cooperation of its constituents," said the resolution, numbered 1727 sponsored by Councilor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.

Rubiano said limiting the movement of dogs is part of the city’s priority to health and sanitation projects.

"The confinement of these stray dogs shall not only contribute to the cleanliness in the area, but shall also minimize cases of dog bites which are very crucial to the safety and health of the residents, particularly the young individuals and children in the barangays.

The resolution, however, did not provide for any harsher sanction in the future if dog owners would not follow its requirement "to have their dog(s) tied to keep city streets free from its mess." — Jose Aravilla