Authorities rescued at least 12 stray dogs at a terminal in Cagayan de Oro City following a series of complaints from residents and commuters.

Personnel of the Barangay Lapasan Council and City Veterinary Office rescued the dogs at the Agora Terminal and Market City.

According to the barangay, the operation stemmed from the complaints raised by residents about the rising number of stray dogs in the area.

“Una ngano gi-aksyonan nato pagalikayan nato nga makapaak o kanang maglibang-libang diha. Hinumduman nato nga public places na so dili bawal na siya nga naa ang mga iro diha sa area,” Lapasan Barangay Chairman Julito Ogsimer said.

The barangay council is also looking into reports that a woman has been feeding dogs in the area late at night, which may have contributed to the increase in strays.

Officials also emphasized that irresponsible pet ownership remains the root cause of the problem.

“Kung ikaw ang tag-iya sa iro, supposedly naa na sa imong kaugalingon nga responsibilidad dili na pwede pasagdan lang nimo kay sama sa akong ingon makaperwisyo kana,” Ogsimer added.

The rescued dogs are now under the custody of the City Veterinary Office.