MEMBERS of Cebu media and animal protection advocates recently gathered for a workshop that aims to promote harmonious co-existence between humans and dogs in Cebu City communities.
The workshop was organized by the World Animal Protection (WAP) for the Philippines, in partnership with the Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) and the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ).
Dr. Daniel C. Ventura Jr., WAP Philippines project manager and workshop guest speaker, said that concerns on animal rabies, particularly from dogs, trigger conflicts between dogs and humans, which can put pressure upon local government units (LGUs) to remove dogs from the streets through impounding operation.
Some residents in Cebu City were also concerned about stray dogs, which may pose a danger to people. Stray dogs may transmit zoonotic disease, may bite humans, or may cause road accidents.
Ventura said that even if dogs provide benefits to humans ranging from companionship and security to providing income, some people think of dogs as nuisance and are unsafe to be kept in the households, hence they just let their dogs roam around the neighborhood.
Dr. Alice T. Utlang, DVMF chief, said that Filipinos should take care of dogs, especially local breeds, because these are the most loving dogs.
Utlang said it is unfortunate that most people who are interested with dogs are giving care to imported dogs and shower them with expensive dog food, powder against fleas and regularly give their dogs bath, while local dogs are only feed with leftover food.
Utlang said that media plays a significant role in disseminating information on responsible dog ownership.
Ventura said that WAP has been calling for an end to the futile and inhumane killing of dogs.
He said that some initiatives with selected partner LGUs like Cebu City have been mapped out, including focus on adopting humane approaches to managing dog populations and campaigning for community awareness.
He said that through its partner LGUs, communities will realize why stray dogs exist, will support vaccination and registration of dogs as well as reclaiming of impounded dogs instead of killing them.