IT WAS recently reported that 80 percent of the 2,520 unclaimed impounded dogs were euthanized by the city from January to September 2018. The remaining 20 percent were lucky enough to be claimed by their owners.
“More or less, 20 percent lang ang na-claim, so ang uban euthanized. Gamay ra gyud ang naga-claim kay usually mga stray dogs man gyud ang madakpan (More or less, 20 percent were claimed and the rest were euthanized, this is because most impounded dogs are strays),” Doctor Gay Pallar, head of the Animal Disease Prevention and Control Section, said.
Pallar said euthanizing of unclaimed dogs had to be done because of the lack of budget for the rehabilitation centers for stray dogs.
This information will definitely surprise a lot of people considering how lovable dogs are.
However, in a way, this also presents a sad reality -- many want to own dogs but not all have the heart to take care of them.
There is a high probability that not all the 80 percent euthanized dogs are strays. Some of them may have been owned by someone but others got lost and were not able to return home; some may have been left outside; and others may have run away.
What happened to the 80 percent is sad. What is sadder is not all of them were rescued or found their way back to their owners.
People should understand that having a dog or pet is not merely having one. There are a lot of responsibilities that goes into caring for one. You have to provide them good food, medicine, bring them to the vet when they are sick, and ensure that they are loved, among others.
Sadly, not everyone is able or has the capability to truly take care of their dogs.
If ever you are planning to get a dog, make sure you put your heart out in caring for it. Be sure to be able to have the resources you may need should you care for a high maintenance dog. If you can't take care of it, then don't own one.
As for the city, we suggest you consider holding or staging an adopt-a-dog program to encourage people to rescue the dogs and find them new homes where they will be loved and cared for.
The city might also have to set aside funds for the establishment of rehabilitation centers for dogs that were rescued.
Organizations of pet owners can also do their part in campaigning for the proper care of pets or dogs.