Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan denied allegations by the Mayari Animal Rescue Organization that the city rounds up stray animals solely before major international sporting events like the upcoming Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026.
Chan stated during a press conference on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, that the city routinely impounds stray animals to prevent road accidents, lower rabies risks, and manage high numbers of cases requiring anti-rabies vaccination.
Chan also rejected claims that impounded animals are routinely euthanized, asserting that euthanasia is only considered in exceptional cases involving gravely ill animals as a humane measure.
LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan has denied allegations that the City Government rounds up stray animals solely before major international sporting events, saying the operation is part of its regular public safety efforts to prevent road accidents and reduce the risk of rabies.
The statement came after Mayari Animal Rescue Organization (Maro) called on the City Government to stop what it described as the recurring impounding and euthanasia of stray dogs ahead of the Ironman 70.3, which will be held on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. The group alleged that hundreds of dogs are rounded up whenever the event is held.
In a press conference on Friday, Aug. 7, Chan said the City has routinely impounded stray dogs roaming public roads long before the Ironman and other major events.
“We do this routinely. There are many stray animals roaming around and if we do not catch them, many people could get bitten. We have a very high number of cases requiring anti-rabies vaccination, so we really need to collect them,” she said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Chan said the City has conducted similar operations during previous Ironman races and other large gatherings, including past activities related to the Association Southeast Asian Nations.
She said impounded animals are taken to the City Veterinary Office (CVO), where they are properly cared for. She added that residents and barangay officials regularly ask the City Government to remove not only stray dogs but also wandering livestock, including cattle and goats, that pose
hazards to motorists.
Euthanasia claim
Chan also rejected allegations that impounded animals are routinely euthanized.
“That is not true… Everybody knows we are animal lovers… we do what is allowed by the government,” Chan said in Cebuano.
She said euthanasia is considered only in exceptional cases involving animals that are gravely ill, describing it as a humane measure to end an animal’s suffering.
SunStar Cebu sought additional information from the CVO on Friday regarding Maro’s allegations, but no authorized official was available to comment as of press time.
Chan said she is willing to meet with Maro and encouraged the group to formally present its concerns to the City for discussion and possible resolution. / DPC