ILOILO City – It is not the policy of the city government to kill dogs.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued this clarification as animal rights activists took to social media to condemn what they claimed is the policy of “mercy killing” of stray dogs in the city.
“They can react whatever they want. I do not give a damn. Kay indi man ni ya hungod natun. Waay man ko ya naghambal nga patyon ta,” said Treñas.
City Veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza admitted there were stray dogs rounded up in Barangay Navais, Mandurriao recently and these were subjected to euthanasia.
He said there was an emergency request from the Barangay Navais Council about stray dogs in their area and they could not identify the owners.
Forteza said barangay residents were worried of their safety; those stray dogs could be rabid.
But while Treñas denied dog euthanasia is a policy, he still ordered an investigation.
“Dr. Forteza already admitted nga gin obra nila (dog euthanasia). But we have to find out whether it was legal under circumstances,” said Treñas.
According to Forteza, upon receiving the emergency request of the Barangay Navais Council, “Gin-assess namon…damu-damo gid man stray dogs. And once may evident aggressiveness ang ido, lain na ang pag-tratar naton – rabies emergency na.”
In a rabies emergency, dogs rounded up are “put to sleep.” This is part of the protocol set by the National Rabies Control Program, stressed Forteza.
“Allowed kami to decide kon ang dog nga nakuha namon as stray is safe for adoption or kinanglan i-eliminate,” Forteza explained.
He added: “Our role at the City Veterinary is to protect the public because human life is more important. Do we need another death (human rabies) para mag aksyon kita against stray dogs?”/PN
