Monday, March 03, 2008
Fines for use of public lots urged
GRAZING in some public lots in Cebu City would not cause the animals any harm, but it could cost their owners up to P5,000 and ownership of their livestock.
If the City Council approves a proposed ordinance, parking motor vehicles and grazing animals in lots under the supervision of the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission will be prohibited.
The “Anti-Grazing Ordinance of Cebu City” bans parking and grazing in public properties, including parks, playgrounds, public streets, squares, center islands, sidewalks and vacant lots under a flyover or a skywalk.
Councilor Nestor Archival, City Council committee on environment chairman, said the measure will encourage the public to help keep the city clean and appealing to residents and tourists.
Penalties
He authored the proposed “Ordinance prohibiting the use of any public yard, public lot under the supervision of the Parks and Playgrounds Commission of the City for parking motor vehicles and grazing sites for animals and providing penalties therefore.”
The measure covers horses, carabao, goat, sheep, pig, fowl and other animals of the bovine species.
“Right now you can see animals being tied to fences of parks or even in the sidewalk. Motorcycles are parked there and even construction materials are dumped (there). We have to regulate this because these areas are beyond the commerce of men, but there is no law that penalizes anyone who does these things,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.
Besides, allowing animals to graze in public places could pose health hazards to the public, the councilor said.
“Continuing these unsanitary practices will destroy the environment-friendly face of the city and affect the health of the people,” the councilor said.
A 2,500 fine would be imposed on first time offenders of the proposed ordinance, and P3,500 for second offense.
For third offense, the fine is P5,000, and the animals would be confiscated and turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), while vehicles would be impounded.
In the regular council session last Wednesday, Archival’s measure was referred to the committee on laws for review. (LCR)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 3, 2008 issue)
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