The police stations in Cebu City are now prepared to receive complaints related to animal abuse, particularly involving dogs and cats. This readiness comes even as the city council continues to draft an ordinance that would establish an official Animal Welfare Desk in every precinct.
Police Training Completed
The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) of Cebu City Hall has completed the training of police officers who will be assigned to these desks. According to Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, head of the DVMF, two officers from each precinct underwent training to learn how to properly handle animal-related cases.
“Because there are complaints about animals, not all police officers know how to entertain such cases. So we trained and deputized police officers per station,” Maribojoc explained.
Ordinance Proposed
The proposed ordinance was formally filed by Councilor Philip Zafra in the City Council. It aims to strengthen the relationship between local law and the national Animal Welfare Act to penalize anyone who commits animal cruelty or mistreatment of livestock.
Under City Ordinance 2526 (Animal Welfare Ordinance of Cebu City), fines and penalties for animal abuse and improper care are already stipulated.
