By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

City Veterinarian Maria Agueda de la Torre said they are currently conducting a campaign to apprehend all stray dogs in Bacolod City.
Recently, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved a resolution requesting the City Veterinary Office (CVO), through Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, to impound stray dogs, particularly those found along the major streets and in the barangays.
The resolution stated many stray dogs can be found along major streets in the city and along barangay roads; and claimed the presence of these dogs hamper the flow of traffic, causes accidents, and are hit by passing vehicles, killing them in the process.
The resolution also claimed stray dogs cause harm to residents and have bitten bystanders.
“The CVO, as the city’s arm in protecting and preserving the welfare of our animals, should rescue these stray dogs and impound them in our facility,” the resolution said.
Torre said they are doing the impounding of stray dogs as much as they can but stressed they only have six personnel and are the ones assigned in conducting animal vaccinations.
She encouraged other barangays to follow what Barangay Estefania has done by passing a resolution to impound stray dogs in their barangay and bringing them to the CVO.
Based on records as of April 2017, there have been 27,218 dogs and cats vaccinated, along with 14,608 clients who have received vaccinations.
On the other hand, a report from the City Health Office (CHO) recorded 2,210 dog and 630 cat bites from January to April 2017./WDJ