DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 6 February) – The City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) euthanized 4,139 unclaimed dogs and cats last year, representing 85% of the 6,957 animals impounded at the local government’s facility in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, said Dr. Gay Pallar, CVO acting head. Pallar explained that impounding stray animals helps control the spread of rabies, a lethal virus transmissible to humans. She urged Dabawenyos to be responsible pet owners, lamenting that irresponsible pet owners outnumber responsible ones. Last year, 66 dogs and cats tested positive for rabies, posing public health risks. Pallar emphasized that rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, marking the terminal stage. The CVO continues rabies education campaigns in schools and barangays. The World Health Organization states rabies spreads through bites, scratches, or contact with infected saliva, with an incubation period ranging from one week to one year. Symptoms include fever, pain, and neurological issues, leading to fatal brain and spinal cord inflammation. Captured animals are held for three days; unclaimed pets are euthanized via anesthesia overdose and cremated. The CVO launched an adoption program on September 28, 2025, rehabilitating some impounded dogs for adoption, though budget constraints limit its scope. So far, 26 pets have been adopted, with prospective owners undergoing evaluation. The local government is pushing for an ordinance mandating pet leashing and registration, with penalties ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 for violators. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
