ANTIQUE – The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) is urging pet owners to spay or neuter their cats and dogs not only to improve the animals’ health but also to help curb the rising stray population in the province.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Florencio Macuja stressed that stray dogs and cats roaming the streets pose risks such as road accidents and animal bites.
“Damo kita nga mga kuti kag ayam nga ginapasagdan lang. Galagaw sila kag nagapahamtang sang peligro, nagakadangat sa aksidente kag kagat sa tawo. Kon responsable ka nga pet owner, dapat indi sila makalagaw,” Macuja said.
Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female animal’s ovaries, while neutering refers to the removal of a male animal’s testicles.
Macuja explained that neutering male pets reduces their tendency to roam outdoors and lowers the risk of reproductive tract infections. Spaying female pets, meanwhile, helps prevent uterine infections and certain cancers.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also highlights that spaying prevents breast cancer and pyometra in females, while neutering helps prevent testicular cancer in males. The procedures also reduce aggressive behavior, heat cycles, and fights among animals.
The OPV regularly conducts Catch, Vaccinate, Neuter, and Return (CVNR) programs in collaboration with private organizations and local government units (LGUs). On August 29, the office partnered with the Center for Living Animals Rehab and Shelter (CLARS) and the LGU of Hamtic to neuter 46 cats and dogs from five barangays.
Aside from neutering, the OPV also offers free anti-rabies vaccination during CVNR programs, depending on available supplies.
Pet owners may also avail of spaying and neutering services at the OPV office along T.A. Fornier Street, San Jose de Buenavista, for a surgical fee of P500, excluding anesthesia, sutures, and other materials.
Macuja reminded the public that responsible ownership goes beyond keeping pets as guard animals.
“Indi lang nga magsagod kang ayam para bantayan ang balay. Dapat i-consider man natun sila bilang miembro sang pamilya,” he said./PN
