ANGELES CITY -- At least 373 animals from one village here have recently received free anti-rabies vaccines.
Hundreds of animals from Barangay Claro M. Recto received their free anti-rabies vaccine on August 17, 2021 from the City Veterinary Office led by Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla.
The vaccination of animas was requested by Barangay Claro M. Recto officials headed by Alexander De Guzman.
According to Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, reports from the City Veterinary Office showed that out of the 373 pets vaccinated, 275 are dogs and 98 are cats.
Manuel, an animal lover herself, said that this initiative has been a program of the city government as soon as Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr., took office, supervised by his Chief Adviser IC Calaguas.
The city government, Calaguas said, wants to promote responsible pet ownership among Angeles City households by the free programs being provided by the city government.
In fact, amid the pandemic, the city government also allotted P5 million for the free neutering and spaying of 1,000 pets, and free anti-rabies vaccines for 30,000 pets in the city.
To date, the Veterinary Office has conducted free anti-rabies vaccination on 6,338 animals while 1,067 animals received free castration.
The city hall’s Animal Pound will also be renovated to ensure the welfare and comfort of rescued animals, where P10 million was appropriated for its improvement.
A total of 56 animals have been impounded to date, 85 animals have been rescued and surrendered to the Animal Pound, and 90 dogs and cats have also been adopted.
It is the aim of Lazatin to have zero stray dogs and cats in the city by 2022.