Baguio: Mayor Benjamin Magalong is advocating for stricter penalties for dog owners who fail to properly care for their pets, aiming to foster more responsible pet ownership.

According to Philippines News Agency, Magalong is proposing an increase in fines from the current PHP500 to strengthen Ordinance 19-2021 on responsible dog ownership. Aileen Refuerzo, the chief information officer of the city government, highlighted that the mayor will request the city council to pass an ordinance that increases penalties, specifically targeting pet owners who allow their dogs to leave waste in public areas.

The city currently imposes a maximum fine of PHP2,500 for ordinance violations. Refuerzo pointed out that some dog owners let their pets roam freely in the morning, leading to public areas being soiled, which causes inconvenience to residents.

Additionally, Magalong has directed the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) to ramp up efforts against stray dogs. City Ordinance 19-2021 mandates dog owners to acquire and maintain dogs only if they can provide necessary care, including mandatory registration, regular vaccination, and maintenance of updated records. The ordinance further requires proper grooming, adequate food, and clean shelter for pets, along with maintaining control over them in public spaces.

Dog owners must also collect and dispose of their pets' feces, prevent their dogs from becoming stray or a nuisance, report dog-bite incidents promptly, take necessary precautions, assist victims of dog bites, and cover related medical expenses.

This initiative aligns with the city's anti-rabies efforts, as some dog-bite incidents have been linked to stray dogs. Refuerzo emphasized that leashing or caging dogs is crucial to prevent bites, which can lead to rabies, a potentially fatal disease.