The Cebu City Animal Welfare Council (CCAWC) has put forward a significant proposal to directly fund animal welfare initiatives using a portion of the city's income from pet registration. This move aims to create a sustainable funding source, particularly for programs that assist animals during disasters like typhoons.
Funding Animal Welfare Through Pet Registration
Under the new proposal, 10 percent of the registration fees collected by the Cebu City Government will be set aside specifically for animal welfare programs. The fees are managed by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF).
This year, the city has already generated a substantial P6,209,800 from pet registrations. If the proposal is approved, the initial allocation for animal welfare would be P620,980.
Dr. Alice Utlang, the head of the DVMF and a CCAWC member, highlighted the financial potential. "What we proposed to the council is that we charge a P200 registration fee for dogs. In fact, last October, the income reached almost one million," Utlang stated. She emphasized that the earmarked funds would be crucial for addressing the needs of animals affected by calamities.
New Facilities and Enhanced Enforcement
Beyond the financial proposal, the council's recent meeting, attended by Mayor Nestor Archival, focused on other key projects. High on the agenda were the mayor's priority initiatives: the establishment of a pet cemetery and an animal shelter.
Dr. Utlang revealed that three potential locations are being considered for these facilities: Barangay Guba, Barangay Kalunasan, and the former Cebu City Zoo. The council planned to inspect these sites to make a formal recommendation to the mayor.
Mayor Archival has expressed a strong desire to see the animal shelter completed by December, providing a much-needed home for rescued and stray animals.
The council also addressed the need for better enforcement of animal welfare laws. Dr. Utlang cited recurring issues of neglect, such as a case in Barangay Sto. Niño where dogs were left exposed to the sun. To combat this, the CCAWC proposed conducting specialized training for citation ticket officers. This training would allow the officers to be deputized by the mayor, empowering them to handle cases more effectively and ensure stricter compliance with animal welfare regulations.
A Stronger Future for Cebu City's Animals
The CCAWC's comprehensive approach—combining a dedicated funding stream, new infrastructure, and improved law enforcement—signals a major step forward in strengthening Cebu City's animal welfare programs. These efforts are central to the city's broader mission of promoting responsible pet ownership and guaranteeing the humane treatment of all animals, especially when disasters strike.
