NO PENALTIES were added to the “Davao City Adopt-a-Dog (DAD) Ordinance” so as not to discourage potential adopting individuals, said Councilor Karlo S. Bello.
Bello, the main author of the DAD ordinance, said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao that “the animal welfare act and the anti-rabies act shall apply to cover the responsibilities of dog owners to proper treatment and care of the dogs.”
He added that the ordinance had only “put in place” the process for the adoption of impounded dogs.
“There was no mechanism before. The existing policy then was the mercy killing of the dogs after three days of impoundment if unclaimed,” Bello said.
The DAD ordinance presents to types of dog adoption for impounded dogs and these are the temporary and permanent adoption.
The City Veterinarian Office (CVO) as mandated by the ordinance, 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.
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.
While for dogs which will be determined as dangerous for adoption will be immediately disposed in accordance to the law.
The ordinance was approved on third and final reading during this week’s regular session of the City Council.