Vet to ask CPPO for animal welfare desks

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Veterinarian plans to discuss with the director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office to put up an animal welfare desk in the different police stations in Cebu Province.

Mary Rose Vincoy, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said that establishing an animal welfare desk can help people who report about animal abuse.

Vincoy got the idea after the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao Region established an animal welfare desk to fight animal abuse.

"Importante ang sa PNP nga side kay importante man gud ang blotter.  Once nga naa nay blotter, then the next time nga naa nasad lain nga gihimo naa nay reference," Vincoy said.

The provincial veterinarian sees the importance of having the animal welfare desk to address not only abuse on pets but also to address the issues on how to treat animals.

She said that treating animals does not only limit to pets but also to others like livestock.

"It encompasses different kind of animals, so kinahanglan ma-orient sad ang desk officer.  Makasabot siya kay gawas sa animal welfare law, naa man gud nay specific administrative order per animal.  So, kinahanglan ma-orient sad siya ana and pag-package man gud anang report importante nga naa gud siyay background," Vincoy said.

She added that those who are about to slaughter animals even have guidelines to follow and comply with.

In Cebu Province, however, reports about animal abuse are just minimal.  Vincoy said most of the local issues are about negligence on the part of the owner.

In Davao region, the establishment of animal welfare desk aims to address and sue those who commit violence and cruelty against animals and eliminate dog meat trade.

Under Republic Act 8485 or the amended Animal Welfare Law, those person who neglect, maltreat and do cruelty against animals can be charged for the offense. It comes with a penalty of a fine and an imprisonment from one year and six months and one day to two years.

They can be also fined of up to P100,000 if the animal being maltreated dies. — GAN (FREEMAN)