Dogs are considered to be the most loyal creatures, but what happens if they become creatures of forgotten loyalty?
Over the weekend, a haunting image drowned out the hustle and bustle in the city when my partner and I saw a stray dog suffering over a loyalty that was unreciprocated. The dog was chained and emaciated in a garbage-strewn area in the curb of a barangay in Cebu City — its mouth severely infested with parasites and fungi, almost unfortunately consuming its own skin. It was truly a gut-wrenching sight.
Moved by genuine compassion, my boyfriend promptly reported the situation to the nearby barangay hall, recognizing that among the many responsibilities entrusted to barangays, the promotion and protection of animal welfare is likewise paramount. However, there was a notable scarcity of their resources, specifically in terms of manpower and proactive initiative. I also made calls to a local animal shelter who may house the poor tyke, but the representative shared their ongoing financial constraints to house more strays.
The incident highlights the alarming prevalence of stray animals in Cebu City and the root of the problem in irresponsible pet ownership and insufficient animal control measures. Sometimes, economic hardships often force families to relinquish pets, thus making these once-loved companions alone and left to fend for themselves.
The plight of stray animals is often overlooked: starvation, disease and abuse, posing truly high risks for them and for the community.
Tackling this issue requires concerted collaboration between national and local government bodies. There is Republic Act (RA) 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by RA 10631, which prohibits any form of animal cruelty, including neglect, abuse and inhumane treatment. Apart from providing stricter penalties for violators, the law also includes provisions on responsible pet ownership, such as the requirement for pet owners to have their pets vaccinated, registered and properly cared for.
In October 2023, the Cebu City Council passed City Ordinance 2526, which mandated the creation of the Animal Welfare Council. The council is tasked to formulate policies on animal welfare and stray management, recommend budget allocations for animal care programs, promote adoption, monitor and respond to reports of animal abuse and neglect.
However, while the creation of the Animal Welfare Council is laudable, it’s just all bark and no bite when there’s no proper implementation. The City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries has carried out the program called Cebu City Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, which begins with capturing stray dogs and cats, then neutering and vaccination, before returning them to their original areas.
Challenges still remain, hence, there is a need for a sustained approach such as investing in sterilization and neuter campaigns, public education on responsible pet ownership, the earnest allotment of funds and resources to establish comprehensive animal shelters and veterinary care, among others. It can be helpful if there was a dedicated animal control unit in the city for the capture, transport and handling of animals. But beyond the broader city-wide initiatives, the barangay is also crucial in addressing the stray animal issue due to its direct connection with the community. Local officials could better establish a proper reporting and response system for strays.
Nevertheless, even with such laws in place, it is common sense and human conscience to know that all lives, including those of strays and pets, deserve care and the chance to live fully.
May the pervasive sight of strays in the city serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive programs dedicated to animal welfare. The presence of strays doesn’t mean just policy gaps, but rather, a collective moral duty that has long been deferred.
At its core, compassion extends to all living creatures — humans and animals alike.