Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Monday, Nov. 18, rejected the “proposal” to euthanize unclaimed stray dogs Iloilo City.
“I want to clarify that the viral supposed mercy killing of stray dogs was just a proposal,” Treñas said during the flag-raising ceremony at Plaza Libertad.
According to him, the Office of the City Veterinarian’s proposal “didn’t reach [his] office.”
“I have not yet approved any. We will not do it,” Treñas assured.
An online petition was launched over the weekend to oppose the euthanasia or mercy killing of stray dogs in the city.
Launched via Change.Org, the petition was initiated by animal lover Mikaela Chavez.
“I write this petition in behalf of a lot of my fellow Ilonggo animal lovers. More importantly, I write this in behalf of all the stray dogs who cannot speak for themselves. They are suffering everyday on the streets either by hunger, maltreatment or abuse. These dogs deserve better lives,” she said.
As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, the petition gained over seven thousand signatures.
Treñas said they would look for vehicle for the use of the Office of the City Veterinarian for impounding of stray dogs.
The mayor also vowed to find space for dog pound.
“After may salakyan na ta kag dog pound na kita, maybe we could start thinking about what else to do. We will work on this slowly so that we will be able to come up with a very good program for pet welfare in the city of Iloilo,” said Treñas.
“There are many organizations that pledged to help the dogs for adoption. We will work on this slowly so that we will be able to come up with a very good program for pet welfare in the City of Iloilo,” he added.
Meanwhile, Treñas urged pet owners to be responsible.
“Kon pasulod summer kadamo damu gid nagakadto diri para mangayo bulig sa (anti-rabies) injection so I hope they will be responsible enough to make nga indi makapangagat ila ido,” he said.IMT
