Bacolod: The city government is partnering with several welfare organizations to develop a safe and humane animal shelter in the region. Mayor Greg Gasataya recently met with representatives from five significant animal welfare groups to present plans for the new City Veterinary Office and Humane Animal Shelter Complex located in Barangay 35.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Gasataya highlighted the shared goal with welfare partners to transition from a culture focused on impounding animals to one that emphasizes responsible pet ownership and humane treatment. The new shelter, part of a PHP10-million proposed complex, is designed to offer care, treatment, and adoption services rather than just impounding.

The new facility will be designed to ensure functionality with strong, spacious structures to support the needs of the animals. Given the construction timeline of eight to ten months, short-term measures have been identified to address urgent concerns of the animals currently in the city pound. These measures include disease control, segregation of sick and healthy animals, massive sanitization, restoration of electricity, and securing additional food supplies.

The discussions also covered temporary relocations of animals to alleviate overcrowding and the clearing of informal settlements around the pound for public health and safety. Mayor Gasataya has appointed Dr. Janine Sarthou as the assistant city veterinarian to conduct an immediate assessment of the existing pound.

Daniel Sam Salvatierra from Furhaven Rescue Sanctuary stressed the urgency of the situation, noting the critical nature of the dogs' conditions. Representatives from Pawssion Project, Community Animal Rescue Efforts, Bacolod Animal Chance and Hope Project PH, and Bacolod Aspin Rescue Kennel also participated in the meeting with Mayor Gasataya.