IN ORDER to ensure the protection of dogs from abuses and to promote the adoption of dogs in the city, Councilor Karlo Bello had proposed the "Davao City Adopt-A-Dog (DAD) Ordinance."
Unclaimed impounded dogs, according to the draft of the DAD ordinance, after three days would be disposed through temporary and permanent adoption to qualified individuals.
It also stated in the ordinance that the City Veterinarian Office (CVO) will be the one responsible to classify if the dog is safe for adoption, requires rehabilitation before adoption or if it is dangerous for adoption.
Qualified persons for adoption are those who are residents of the city for six straight months, of good moral character, of age and have not been convicted of a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
The CVO, according to the ordinance, will determine if the person appears to have a "genuine concern for the welfare and protection for dogs."
Dogs that require rehabilitation before adoption will be placed under rehabilitation or under temporary adoption to individuals, centers or experts who will volunteer to rehabilitate the dog.
The temporary adopter or his representative should return the dog to the City Pound not more than seven days after the expiration period of the temporary adoption.
Dogs that will be determined as dangerous for adoption will be immediately disposed in accordance to the law.
Records of the identity of the dogs adopted and individuals or persons adopting will be kept by the CVO.
The ordinance was approved on second reading on Tuesday during the regular session of the City Council.