THE P4.79-million animal rescue center in San Carlos City is positioned to help boost the livestock industry of Negros Occidental.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, who led the site visit along with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and other officials in Barangay Rizal, Bacolod City on Wednesday, September 3, said this will be the third animal rescue center in the province.

Decena said the first two facilities are in Sagay City and Hinobaan town, which both opened in 2019. The fourth will be established in Moises Padilla.

"The plan is to have two animal rescue centers in the north and south portions of the province to cater to localities where animal population is increasing," he said, adding that the facility will serve as temporary shelter for animals during disasters and calamities.

The animal rescue center in San Carlos is expected to be operational starting next year.

The facility would include animal pens for both large and small animals, feeder, complete water system and waste management, electrical system, and well-ventilated building, among others.

Decena said that as far as they know, Negros Occidental is the first province in the country to have a rescue center for animals during calamities.

Decena said aside from protecting the animals, which is in consonance with the Animal Welfare Act, the facility will also help prevent losses and sustain animal production during disasters.

"As part of its multipurpose use, the building will also be used by the local government unit as holding corral or part of breeding center for animals," he added.

The livestock and poultry industry have been hugely contributing to the growth of local economy thus, the provincial veterinarian said its development is part of the province's Abanse Negrense Development Agenda.