Koronadal Government to build Animal Center
Koronadal City Government is about to build an Animal Center once the budget has been approved, following the approval of Sangguniang Panglungsod known as “A Comprehensive Ordinance on Rabies Control and Regulation of stray animals in public places, authorizing for this purpose the establishment and operation of Koronadal City animal center, providing funds thereof and other purposes”.
“Dahil sa ordinansang pagkontrol sa rabies at pangangalaga ng mga ligaw na hayop sa pampublikong lugar, darating ang araw matututo tayong maging responsible dog owners”, City Veterinarian Dr. Charlemagne Calo positively expressed after citing the newly approved legislation.
The ordinance stipulates the construction of an animal center which is a long awaited project of the City Veterinary Office. Its purpose is to control the spread of rabies and draw attention to regulate stray dogs that have caused many road accidents by biting and chasing some individuals which sometimes leads to a more serious mishap when hit by a motorcycle which often resulted in the hospitalization of the victims.
As Php5, 000,000 funds will be needed for the construction of the animal center and will also require additional staff, Calo explained that the said program will take time to before it will be fully implemented but the ordinance will take effect immediately after it is signed by City Mayor Eliordo Ogena. He further explained that its implementation will only be 100% if there is already an animal center where its proposed location is in the Eco Park in Barangay Paraiso which requires at least one (1) hectare.
While waiting for the construction of the building, Calo said that as part of the preparation and execution of the local law there will be a mandatory registration for dogs and cats starting this year wherein it will be free for the first year but fee will be collected on the second year upon renewal. The collection will be used for the dog tag, purchase of the vaccine that will be given free to the dogs and other expenses for the operation of the building. Charges will depend on the number and size of the pet dog – Php100 for the small one while Php200 for the large one.
Further, a regular campaign on responsible pet ownership and yearly vaccination is already a regular activity of the City Veterinary Office.
To ensure the successful implementation of the said ordinance, a pilot test will first be implemented in the Poblacion area before consequently throughout the city. A task force comprising the City Veterinary Office, PNP and barangay will be tasked to monitor the operation.
The animal center on the other hand is a complete package building comprise of a clinic for the sick dogs and cats. It will also serve as a shelter for caught stray dogs as well as a rehabilitation center and a permanent home for sick-free dogs but no one wants to adopt them. The veterinarian also clarified that the said building is open to all kinds of breeds of dogs and cats including the so-called “asong pinoy” (aspin) and “pusang kalye” (pusakal).