CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Veterinary Office has stopped the gassing of stray dogs until the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of Department of Agriculture replies to its letter regarding the matter.
Last November, the Cebu South Dogs Club Inc. requested the city government to refrain from employing the “tambutso” gassing of stray dogs branding it as “cruel” and in violation of the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.
The veterinary office gasses stray dogs that are not claimed within a period of time.
Talisay City veterinarian Dr. Santiago Hortel said “Administrative Order Series of 2011” issued by the agriculture department is confusing.
He said the order states that carbon monoxide is acceptable as a form of euthanasia or mercy killing of dogs.
Last week, Hortel wrote the bureau seeking clarification of the order.
The dog pound collects an average of 50 dogs a month. (FREEMAN)