Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte assured animal welfare advocates that they will actively take part in instituting amendments to the city’s Veterinary Code and in the crafting of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), to ensure a more coordinated effort in the implementation and promotion of animal welfare policies in the city.
“The city’s Veterinary Code still needs an IRR and its crafting will enjoin the active participation of animal welfare groups,” said Vice Mayor Belmonte during a meeting with representatives of various animal welfare advocate groups at QC Hall.
To date, the Vice Mayor said, the city’s veterinary code, enacted on January 26, 2015 and signed by Mayor Herbert Bautista on March 26, 2015, is considered as the “bible” of all laws concerning animals and pets in QC and must be used as the sole reference material when it comes to animal regulation.
According to Section 68 of the new QC Veterinary code, all ordinances and issuances inconsistent with the code are deemed repealed.
With the Vice Mayor at the meeting were representatives from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART), Save All/Cat Care Philippines and CARA (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals).
During the occasion, the Vice Mayor asked PAWS and other animal rights groups to secure accreditation from the city government to enable them to enter into agreements with the city regarding animal welfare policies, such as the management of the city pound.
“In partnership with the city, these accredited animal welfare NGOs could assist in the implementation of animal welfare policies in QC,” Belmonte said.
Meanwhile, city veterinarian Ana Maria Cabel, in a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Belmonte on April 20, said her office is bent on pushing for the controversial ordinance repealed recently by the QC Council which provides for comprehensive animal regulation and control in QC.
In her letter, Dr. Cabel cited increased animal bite cases, high incidence of rabies cases both in human and animals and the increasing stray dog population as her primary reasons for pursuing the repealed ordinance.
In 2014, the veterinary office recorded 25 animal rabies cases. Of the city’s six districts, District II had the most number, with 8 cases. In terms of barangays, Batasan Hills registered the most number of cases, with 4.(Maureen Quiñones, PAISO)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
