100 dogs in Bulacan pound to be euthanized unless adopted soon

About a hundred dogs at the pound in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan are in desperate need of a loving home.

According to the report of Susan Enriquez on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Thursday, these dogs are set to be euthanized unless people come to adopt them.

The SJDM City Veterinary Office said it has already deferred the euthanasia but could not postpone it for long as they could no longer afford to care for all the dogs at the pound.

"Supposedly, bukas, pero as a matter of routine po 'yung ginagawa namin eh. 'Pag nakikita namin na may mga nag-a-adopt, we extend," said Dr. Alejandro Enciso, who is from the SJDM Regulatory Servince Division.

"'Yung euthanasia, last recourse na namin yon. kung talagang walang a-adopt, 'yung matitira, sinu-subject naman to euthanasia."

Several dogs at the pound in Muntinlupa City on were also set to be put down this Sunday. but this was deferred as the responsible pet ownership advocates of the Pawssion project volunteered to help find new homes for the dogs.

The foundation opted to adopt the dogs but the City Veterinary Office reportedly disallowed it as they were not residents of Muntinlupa.

Under the Anti-Rabies Act, "impounded dogs not claimed after three days from the dog pound shall be placed for adoption to qualified persons, with the assistance of an animal welfare NGO, when feasible, or otherwise disposed of in any manner authorized, subject to the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998."

A shared responsibility

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) believes that spaying or neutering of a companion animal is part of responsible pet ownership.

"Ang long term solution ay magpakapon," PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera said.

Spaying, or the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal, and neutering or the removal testicles of a male animal can cost a fee ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 but many LGUs offer to do it for free.

Cabera said PAWS also offers discounts for the procedure. "Sa PAWS, we offer it all year round, P1,500 para sa lalaking aso."

PAWS stresses that all pet owners share the responsibility of ensuring each animal is provided a home.

"Kung hindi ka magpapakapon, ikaw ay partly responsible for the stray problem," Cabrera said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News