BARANGAY Banago in Bacolod City was chosen by the Bacolod City Animal Welfare Task Force (Bacaw-TF) as the pilot barangay in the city for the information and education campaign for the welfare of animals.

This was stressed by Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, a member of the task force, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, after Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order (EO) No. 13 creating the Bacaw-TF.

Pineda said on Tuesday that they already started the campaign and education in Barangay Banago.

“Barangay Banago was chosen as the pilot barangay for the implementation of this program to educate animal owners to be responsible and to address the stray dogs problem in the city,” he said.

He added the task force will also conduct vaccination of the animals.

On March 1, Leonardia issued EO No. 13 to establish a task force aimed at identifying, reassessing and acting on animal welfare concerns in the city with the primary goal of ensuring responsible pet-ownership.

The task force was led by Leonardia as the chairperson; Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran as co-chairperson; vice-chairperson, City Veterinarian; and the members include the Bacolod City Police Office director, City Legal Officer, City Health Officer, City Engineer, Public Information Officer, and the volunteer animal welfare groups the BACH Project Ph and PAWSsion Project Ph.

The task force will formulate and implement plans and programs for the welfare of animals in Bacolod; to ensure humane treatment of impounded animals; educate the community to become responsible pet owners; oversee and assist in the implementation of laws on animal welfare among others.

After Barangay Banago, Pineda said they will go to other barangays with prevalent cases of stray dogs and rabies.

He said they are hopeful that the pet owners will be responsible to address the stray dog problems.