An animal rights group launched recently a signature campaign seeking the dismissal of the Bacolod City veterinarian for alleged negligence.

Animal rights group Pawssion Project PH lobbyied in 2018 for a ban on euthanasia upon stray dogs at the Bacolod City Dog Pound.

From then on, the group assisted in the care of dogs in the pound.

However, the group launched a signature campaign for the dismissal of Dr. Maria Agueda dela Torre, city veterinarian, for alleged negligence.

The group took photographs of the city pound reportedly found filthy.

In a statement, the group has condemned the current situation of the facility.

"We are furious but also exhausted…Now, it’s just getting worse with the original City Vet back in power. The pound is filthy as hell, and they keep on impounding dogs even community dogs. To Mayor Greg Gasataya, please do something about this. To the City Vet of Bacolod, Dra. dela Torre, we don’t really know how you can sleep well at night. This is all because of you,” Pawssion Project PH said.

According to a caretaker, it is difficult for them to maintain cleanliness in the facility.

“Yan ang pinoproblema namin dahil puno na ang deposito ng dumi. Hindi namin malinis ng maigi kasi walang nilalabasan ang tubig,” Girlie Parojillo, caretaker at Bacolod City Dog Pound, said.

Mayor Greg Gasataya has investigated the complaint against Dr. dela Torre.

“May ipapalabas akong communication, memorandum sa kanya for explanation,” Gasataya said.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried seeking a statement from the city veterinarian, but she has not answered the call made by the news team.

Residents in Barangay 35 have complained about the stench from the dog pound.

“Naaawa tayo sa mga aso, ngunit mas naaawa tayo sa mga tao,” Neneng, an affected resident, said.

The mayor said further that the Local Government Unit mulls on a renovation of the facility to expand the capacity of the dog shelter to accommodate at least 500 stray dogs.

However, the construction might take one year to complete.

“Wala sa ngayong kuryente for quite some time. Ang tubig ipina-check na natin at ang situation mismo ng lugar. Kailangan na siyang mapalitan,” Gasataya added.