New pound to hold 150 stray dogs

CEBU, Philippines - More stray dogs are expected to be accommodated when Mandaue City’s dog pound moves to a bigger compound in Sitio Dungguan, Barangay Basak by end of November.

Dr. Nestor Taasan, city veterinarian, said the new city pound, which will occupy the old Department of Public Works and Highways office, will house at least 150 stray dogs.

He said of the 12,432 dog population in the city, around 3,000 are strays and are highly exposed to rabies.

Last October, four victims were bitten by a rabid dog in Barangay Tabok, resulting to intensified information dissemination on rabies and animal care, and dog vaccination.

Taasan said the October cases were the first since 2012.

He said the city already started impounding stray dogs last week, after a hiatus since September. The impounded dogs are brought to the old facility in Barangay Labogon.

Taasan also denied that they were scheduled to kill 35 impounded dogs on November 1, saying only five were in the area and were up for adoption.

The purported killing was posted online calling for help from pet owners and animal rights advocates.

The city vet explained that the five dogs were the ones that had remained since he assumed office last September.

Since then, he said, there had been no impounding activities as the old cages were being repaired.

Last week, the said cages were already serviceable. Hence, Taasan said they can already send their men to start rounding up un-owned and owned stray dogs.

Under the local ordinance creating the city pound, the owners can redeem the impounded dog after paying the necessary fees, otherwise, unclaimed dogs are exterminated or killed.

The last extermination of impounded dogs was held August this year, said Taasan. — Liv G. Campo. (FREEMAN)