The Iloilo City Government is urging all barangays to establish temporary shelters for stray, abandoned, rescued, and impounded animals to strengthen animal welfare, improve public health, and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.
The move came after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution authored by Councilor Johnny Young, encouraging barangays to set up humane holding facilities for rescued and stray animals.
The resolution recognizes barangays as the first responders to incidents involving stray dogs, abandoned pets, rescued animals, animal bite cases, and complaints related to animal cruelty, neglect, and nuisance.
Young said the absence of barangay-level holding facilities often leaves stray and rescued animals roaming the streets, exposing them to hunger, accidents, abuse, disease, and the continued threat of rabies transmission.
Under the resolution, the temporary shelters need not be large or costly but must meet minimum humane standards, including proper ventilation, adequate shade, clean water, feeding areas, sanitary drainage, separate enclosures for sick or aggressive animals, and a logbook for documenting rescued or impounded animals.
City Veterinarian Dr. Fernando Abulencia welcomed the initiative, saying the management of stray animals is a shared responsibility between the city government and barangays.
“Barangays can coordinate with the Office of the City Veterinarian for technical support in establishing their shelters,” he said in an interview.
According Abulencia, the City Veterinarian’s Office will provide technical assistance, including scheduling spaying and neutering services for animals housed in the temporary facilities. After the required holding period, the animals may either be returned to their communities or transferred to the city dog pound.
The veterinarian said the proposal received positive feedback during the public hearing prior to the approval of the resolution.
Although there is no official census of stray animals, he estimated that each of Iloilo City’s 180 barangays has about 20 to 30 stray dogs and cats.
“Our stray population is still manageable. Animal welfare advocates in Iloilo have made significant contributions to stray animal management, population control, and pet adoption,” Abulencia said.
The city dog pound currently houses nearly 20 rehabilitated animals, while an adoption drive focusing on puppies is scheduled in August as part of the city’s continuing campaign for responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.IMT
