BACOLOD City — The local government here is set to present today (Dec. 2) the proposed City Veterinary Office and Animal Shelter Complex to be constructed in Barangay 35.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the presentation fulfills the city’s commitment made last September to animal welfare groups seeking a permanent shelter and improved veterinary services.
“We scheduled this presentation so the group can give their inputs, and we can finalize the city’s plan,” the mayor added.
Once the proposal is finalized, the city will proceed with the bidding process. Construction is expected to take around 10 months once started.
The move comes as Pawssion Project, a Bacolod-based animal welfare foundation, continues to raise concerns over the current condition of the city dog pound. In a social media post, the group expressed disappointment, saying the facility has become “a mass grave for so many dogs and even cats.”
The foundation is urging Bacolod residents to foster or adopt at least one animal, noting that shelters are overwhelmed. “We can help in any way we can, but we can’t take in over 100 of them,” Pawssion Project said.
Mayor Gasataya also confirmed that the city has appointed a new Assistant City Veterinarian following the resignation of Dr. John Michael Cabuguason. He assured the public that the newly hired official “has compassion for the animals.”
As a short-term measure, the city will restore electricity at the Bacolod City Dog Pound, which was disconnected due to arrears amounting to about P800,000. Meanwhile, the city will also renovate the pound, a process expected to take three months./PN
