ABOUT 52 cats and dogs received free spaying and neutering from Angeles City government as part of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr.'s advocacy to put a premium on animal welfare.
To date, 614 cats and dogs have undergone free neutering and spaying since the kick-off of the program in August, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel said.
Lazatin’s chief adviser and tactician director IC Calaguas said the City allotted P5 million for the free neutering and spaying of 1,000 pets, as well as free anti-rabies vaccines for 30,000 pets in the city.
On November 27, City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Christian Arcilla, along with 12 veterinarians in the city, voluntarily offered their free service for the mass spay and neuter program.
The private veterinary doctors are Dr. Joanna Marimla; Dr. Mocca Gonzales; Dr. Marc Ian Gonzales; Dr. Jennifer Bati; Dr. Lorielyn Galindez; Dr. Precy Magtoto; Dr. John Christopher Mangalus; Dr. Amiel Angeles; Dr. John Luis Aguceta; Dr. Michelle Tulabut; Dr. Mya Leana Abaoag; and Dr. Marjorie Carreon.
Manuel stressed that the free neuter and spay campaign, initiated back in August through the City Veterinary Office, aims to help more Angeleños become more responsible pet owners.
“Gusto nating tulungan yung mga kababayan natin mas maging responsible pet owners, lalo na yung mga hindi afford na ipa-spay or ipa-neuter ang mga alaga nila,” she said.
Manuel added that the program started with stray animals housed at the City Hall Animal Pound.
Moreover, Dr. Arcilla explained that spaying and castration are “two of the most effective means of animal sterilization, and can help control unwanted animal populations, and the spread of rabies.”
Any pet owner who wishes to avail of the service for their cats and dogs can book an appointment with the City Veterinary Office, or message their Facebook page.
Calaguas, together with Manuel and Dr. Arcilla on November 27, 2020 awarded the Certificates of Appreciation to the 12 volunteer veterinarians who rendered their free service for the program.
Meanwhile, Lazatin also appropriated P10 million for the improvement of the City Animal Pound.
He said that the City Government also targets to have zero stray dogs and cats by 2022.
Lazatin encouraged Angeleños to adopt instead of shopping for new pets.
“All rescued dogs and stray animals housed at the City Animal Pound will be put up for adoption once they receive the necessary medical needs including free neutering and anti-rabies vaccine,” he shared.
The City Veterinary Office will screen qualified fur parents. Once their adoption is approved, they will be regularly visited to ensure the welfare of the animal they adopted.