THE City Veterinarian Office (CVO) reported that the increasing number of impounded dogs in their daily operation implies that there are now more irresponsible pet owners in the city.

During the Ispeak media forum yesterday, February 7, 2019, CVO head Doctor Cerelyn Pinili said an average of 15 to 20 dogs are impounded on a daily basis and only 10 to 15 percent of impounded dogs were claimed by their owners.

She further said after three days that the dogs were not claimed by their owners, they will be subjected to euthanasia or mercy killing as the city do not have a rehabilitation facility for impounded dogs.

“Gamay ra gyud ang ma-claim na impounded dogs sa city, meaning daghan gyud kaayo ang mga iresponsable na pet owners. (Only few pet owners claim their dogs which means that there are more irresponsible pet owners in the city now),” Pinili said.

“Ang ilaha lang is magbuhi sila kay cute ug gamay pa but og mudako na, pasagdan na lang (Some pet owners take care of the pets because they are small and cute, but when they grow older, they just let it wander),” she added.

Pinili further said they have been conducting seminars for responsible pet ownership in the barangays to inform the public of proper pet handling and their responsibilities as pet owners.

“Naa pud ta sa mga school gani para ang mga bata na mismo ang muingon sa ilang ginikanan na dapat pabakunahan ang mga iro ug dili pasagdan na maglatagaw. Hopefully mag-work na siya. (We have been conducting seminars in schools so that the children themselves will tell their parents how to become responsible pet owners and urge them to have their pets vaccinated),” she said.

Meanwhile, Pinili said a new impounding facility will be constructed in Malagos to cater to more impounded dogs in the city. The project allocation is P5 million.