427 dogs euthanized

THE City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) revealed over 400 stray dogs were put down in 2019 in a bid to keep streets safe for all.

The report added impounded dogs reached 3,499 last year with 2,334 released by the CVO.

Euthanized dogs reached 427 from January to December last year, peaking in the month of September where 118 dogs were put down.

Weeks ago, the CVO reported stray dogs face death by euthanasia if unclaimed at the local pound after seven days.

The unclaimed dogs are humanely put to sleep according to the Animal Welfare Act guidelines and buried at the Department of Agriculture compound after induced death.

Option for adoption is also open to those who would wish to take on the ownership of dogs impounded but have to acquire a barangay certification showing the prospective pet owner to be capable of handling the chosen pet as well as a green light from the village chief attesting the dog will not become a nuisance to would be neighbors.

In January last year, there were 237 dogs impounded followed by 344 and 328 apprehensions at the city pound for the months of February and March.

The months April, May and June saw 265, 233 and 180 respectively while the rainy months of July, August and September had 433, 392 and 408 each month.

In October there were 432 stray dogs apprehended and impounded while on November the city pound had 212 and December saw the smallest number of canines impounded with 26.

The city pound can only accommodate 100 canines at a time.

The CVO is advocating for responsible pet ownership saying if you cannot take care of pets, do not take on the task of acquiring these animals into your homes. Maria Elena Catajan