The council of a barangay in Batangas City has passed an ordinance penalizing owners who fail to clean after the waste their pets dispose of in the streets. 

Those found violating the ordinance in Barangay Poblacion 3 may be fined up to P1,000 or may be made to render community service. 

“Napapansin namin na [may] mga place na marami kaming [nakikitang] dumi ng aso na hindi naman kaaga dapat doon. Pati 'yung ibang residenteng nakakapansin [na] kung saan-saan na [may] dumi sa kalsada, [at] nadadaanan [rin] ng sasakyan,” Rosario Gonda, the Barangay Chairman, said.

The presence of animal waste has reportedly made it difficult for residents to navigate the streets easily, like Rayben Miguel Baril.

Baril shared his frustration about stepping on animal waste multiple times, describing it as disgusting. Cleaning the waste off the footwear is also time-consuming, he said. 

“Una nakakadiri, nakaka-hassle sa oras, tatanggalin mo pa [at] lilinisin mo pa 'yung sapatos,” Baril said.

The barangay has also posted numerous signs prohibiting pet owners from allowing their animals to defecate on the streets.

“Jackpot ka, kapag nakatapak ka ng poopoo. At least nagiging aware 'yung barangay [at] ‘yung public regarding doon sa ganyang residente,” Mary Jane De Roxas, a resident, said.

The barangay said their decisions are based on the Anti-Rabies Act, which mandates pet owners to pick up and clean their animals' waste in public areas.

These measures are aimed at maintaining cleanliness and prevent health hazards caused by animal waste.