A stray dog advocate in Davao City is hoping that incoming Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte will implement the Davao City Adopt-A-Dog-and-Cat (DADC) Ordinance by ordering to fast track it’s proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
ARRF Davao Pawg-Ibig Shelter founder and president Marites Sia-Tan Batacan is optimistic that the implementation will help address stray dog problems and strengthen responsible pet ownership in the city.
“Unta si Mayor Baste ma-take into consideration unta ni sa iyahang paglingkod kay siya lang among hope. Animal lover siya sa pagkahibalo nako. Unta makabuhat siya ug paraan nga naa na adopt-a-dog and cat ordinance ug naa na ang rehabilitation center. Unsay kulang? The IRR, gi-attach na namo pagmiting namo, wala na gyud sila’y buhaton, pero ngano wala pa man hangtod karon? Daghan gusto mu-adopt,” Batacan said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel (TRMH) on Wednesday.
In 2019, the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) presented a draft of the proposed IRR for the said ordinance, which allowed Dabawenyos to adopt impounded or rescued stray dogs in the city instead of subjecting them to mercy killing if not claimed within three days.
“Ang gobyerno gyud ang makatabang ani sa amoa. Kami naa nami para mag-support,” she said.
Batacan’s dog shelter on their farm in Barangay Binugao, Toril District, which houses 200 rescued dogs and cats, is the beneficiary of NCCC’s Hardwaremaxx and Maxx’s Pet Bowtique and Pawlor’s donation drive for pets dubbed as Help Local Shelter.
Christopher Cua, marketing specialist of NCCC, urged pet lovers to donate food, accessories, and even pet old toys. The campaign also accepts monetary donations for the improvement of the animal shelter rehabilitation center.