THE push for a Davao City ordinance amendment proposing for an increase of fine for violators loosening or letting animals astray in the city will no longer be pursued, its proponent revealed.
Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., who lobbied for second reading the amendment of the fines and penalties under City Ordinance 1004-74, series of 1974, said Tuesday, October 1, that "prohibiting the loosening of animals providing the catching of the same and impounding, collection of fees for keeping them during the impounding and providing further its disposition when claimed for a certain period and providing penalty" will be repealed.
"The City of Davao through the Executive Department proposed to increase the penalties of several City Ordinances because the penalties no longer deter violators," Quitain said during the regular session at the City Council Tuesday.
But he said the proposed amendment was no longer necessary as it was already embodied under Section 124 of Ordinance 1291-17, Series of 2017 or the Ordinance amending the 2005 Revenue Code of the City of Davao, otherwise known as the 2017 Revenue Code of the City of Davao.
Quitain said the item was referred to and approved for first reading last September 3. A committee hearing was also conducted on September 11 and attended by personnel from the City Treasurer's Office and the City Veterinarians' Office.
Section 124 or the Imposition of Fee states that "there shall be imposed the following fees for each day or fraction thereof on each head of astray animal found running or roaming at large, or fettered in public places."
Large heads of cattle impounded on the first day will be fined P1,000, while P100 will be additionally imposed on succeeding days. While all other animals will have a P500 initial penalty, and P50 will be additionally imposed on succeeding days.
Quitain said the ordinance shall take effect immediately after posting in two conspicuous public places and publication for three consecutive days in a local newspaper of general circulation.
He said earlier that he is eyeing to amend the ordinance that was enacted back under the mayorship of Luis Santos.