A DOG haven and rehabilitation center operated by a non-government organization for strays in Iloilo City will close its doors by November 30, after a year of operation.
Animal Welfare Association chair Anna Marie Riviera Wharton said they could not continue operation for lack of donors and volunteers, and much as she wanted to help the government, the work is overwhelming.
Wharton said that she is giving up for adoption six dogs, including three puppies, and the remaining dogs, all vaccinated with anti-rabies, to local dog lovers who would want to care and provide shelter to dogs rescued from the streets and from abusive owners.
The dog haven, with only one maintainer is located at Block 16, Lot 17 at the National Housing Authority in Mandurriao district. It will be closed effectively as neighbors in the subdivision complained of dog noises.
Built initially for 10 dogs only, the haven became a dumping ground of stray dogs rescued by the City Veterinary Office, until it houses a population of more than 30 dogs.
Last February 2, 12 dogs were dumped at the haven after being captured in the streets of Jaro last January 30.
On February 25, the City Veterinary Office dumped another batch of nine dogs captured in Calaparan area in preparation for the Paraw Regatta. The dog haven has now 31 dogs and other rescued cats.
Wharton said the first-class, highly urbanized city in the Visayas has no dog pound to keep the stray and abused dogs, adding that its veterinary office is killing the stray dogs through gas poisoning through the “tambutso” killing.
The veterinary office of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture regional office is helping in the anti-rabies vaccines.
Wharton said their immediate plan for the coming months is to secure homes for the remaining dogs.
She said the dog haven will be closed and after its closure, they will plan another strategy for the strays.