Friday, December 22, 2006 Banning of dogs at boulevard pushed By Maricar O. Aranas
TAKING dogs on a stroll along Rizal Boulevard and Quezon Park will soon be prohibited after the Dumaguete City Council crafted an ordinance sponsored by lawyer Rotelio Lumjod.
The council received complaints from senior citizens and boulevard's regular visitors that these hybrid dogs threaten them. In fact, one individual was bitten by a dog while jogging along the boulevard.
Conchita Patula, gardener of Rizal Boulevard and Quezon Park, said she has received plenty of complaints especially from senior citizens regarding the dogs' waste.
Patula said most of the dogs' waste are left on top of the concrete chairs or scattered in the grass beds.
Patula suggested to the City Council not to allow dogs at the Rizal Boulevard and Quezon Park especially in the morning.
City Veterinarian Dr. Lourdes Socorro said under the animal welfare act, dogs can have their regular exercise in a place like boulevard since the animal also has the right to enjoy the environment like humans.
However, Soccorro recommended to dog owners to bring a pooper-scooper for the dogs' waste and a mouth gab for the dogs' mouth.
Lumjod meanwhile said they will study the matter and will include schedule of hours in a day wherein dogs can have their daily exercise.
