The proposed rabies prevention and control ordinance was endorsed yesterday to the respective committees for deliberation.
The committee on health, chaired by Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, and the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances, chaired by Councilor J. Melchor Quitain, will conduct a public hearing to discuss the merits of the proposed law.
The law will require registration and vaccination, as well as outline regulations for responsible pet ownership and impounding of dogs and cats.
The registration of domesticated dogs and cats is set to start in September 2019 in each barangays in the city to be scheduled by the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) and the barangay council.
Upon registration, the domesticated animals will be assigned a vaccination card that bears its respective vaccination serial number that will be used as reference of health and record for vaccination.
The owner will pay P50 for the card, which is renewable yearly. The replacement of lost cards will cost P100.
Every dog and cat three months and older shall be subjected to anti-rabies vaccination, performed by a licensed veteranarian, deputized livestock technician or inspector and under the direct supervision of the City Veteranarian’s Office.
Failure to register or renew and vaccinate pets will earn a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P1,500 for the second offense, and P2,000 or a 30-day imprisonment or both for third offense.
Meanwhile, for purposes of impoundment, quarantine, and disposition, any animal shall be considered astray if not accompanied by its owner and found wandering in streets, plazas, markets, school premises, and other public places in the city.
For a period of three days from the date of apprehension including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the impounded animals will be humanely killed through lethal injection. The owner may redeem the impounded dogs before the period of disposition.
Meanwhile, the CVO may also decide to make the animals up for adoption based on their discretion.
Another penalty is provided for any person opposing, resisting, or interfering with an animal officer for P5, 000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year.
