Cebu City Vet conducts free sterilization of pets and strays

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Government together with the Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation (PPBCCF) conducted a free sterilization in the form of spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats at the Mabolo Sports Complex in Cebu City yesterday.

Total number of dogs and cats fixed reached up to 166 (94 spayed and 72 neutered), while 221 were vaccinated against rabies.  Dr. Alice Utlang, Cebu City Veterinarian, said that the medical program was funded by the PPBCCF and it focuses on controlling reproduction of pets such as dogs and cats as well as strays.

“We only cater animals that are being brought here which includes stray animals and we encourage and educate all dog and cat owners to bring their pets here if they don’t want them to reproduce,” said Utlang.

“We have 3 veterinarians from the city while PPBCCF have 5, total of 8 veterinarians working in today’s medical program. Aside from spaying and neutering we also have other services such as rabies-vaccination and deworming,” she added.

Dr. Mace Licuanan, founder of PPBCCF, said that this is the second time they conducted this medical event in Cebu and announced that they planned to conduct the program next in Mandaue City.

“We choose Cebu City as our recipient because the city Veterinarian has always been very supportive to the advocacy of the foundation and this won’t be possible if they don’t believe in us,” Licuanan added.

Many pet owners came to Mabolo Sports Complex from as far as Boljo-on, Dumanjug , Barili , San Fernando , Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City to avail of the services.

The program was also made possible with the support of the Cebu City Population Control Campaign.

Non-government organizations such as Island Rescue Organization (IRO) and Top Breed Dog Meal were also there to show support for the program through giving T-shirts and bags to pet owners who registered their pets.  —/JBB (FREEMAN)