CEBU, Philippines - More than 100 chickens believed to have died because of “stress” upon arrival at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries.
The chickens were brought to DVMF for inspection before it will be delivered to the slaughterhouse.
“Usually stress. Pagbiyahe ganina. Tungod mana sa init, kahuot sa cage,” said meat inspector Ann Calungsod.
City Veterinarian, Dr. Pilar Romero, said the chickens should be handled properly and should not be transported during high temperature.
“Nakalagay gyud na dapat sa tray ang mga manok. Nya ang sakyanan kinahanglan nga dili huot. Naa man gud uban nga mao ra ni ang number nga pwede masakay pero pasubraan. They (chicken growers) know about this,” she said.
She added that chickens should not be transported from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Calungsod said the chickens were not anymore examined but a notice of condemnation was issued to the owner. The dead chickens were already unfit for human consumption and should be buried in a place designated by the DVMF.
“Ihawon man unta to para ibaligya. Pero namatay man so ilubong na lang to ig-abot sa tag-iya,” she added.
DVMF officials reminded people transporting animals of the law that promotes animal welfare.
Republic Act No. 8485 or an Act to Promote Animal Welfare in the Philippines penalizes animal cruelty.
Section 4 of the law states that; “Cruelty in transporting includes overcrowding, placing of animals in the trunks or under the hood trunks of vehicles.”
Also in the same section of the law states “It shall be the duty of any owner or operator of any land, air or water public utility transporting pet, wildlife and all other animals to provide in all cases adequate, dean and sanitary facilities for sale conveyance and delivery thereof to their consignee at the place of consignment. They shall provide sufficient food and water for such animals while in transit for more than twelve hours or whenever necessary.”
Any person who will violate the law upon conviction by final judgment will be punished by imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than two (2) years or a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 or both at the discretion of the court. (FREEMAN)