City veterinarian wants dog population control

CEBU, Philippines - The city government wants all female dogs in the city to undergo ligation as a means to control canine population.

City veterinarian Alice Utlang said that the number of dogs in the city may have reached an estimated 250,000 for the last eight years. The last survey conducted in 2004 showed 32,000 female dogs and 34,000 male dogs in Cebu City alone.

Utlang explained dogs give birth twice a year to up to eight puppies.

“Nag-population control ta ron that’s the reason nga nag massive ligation ug spaying ta sa mga iro ug mokontak pud ta ug survey para maklaro ang gidaghanon. Atong unahon ang female dogs kay twice a year sila manganak kinahanlang ma-control nato,” Utlang said.

“Ang problema kay dili responsable ang mga pet owners especially sa mga bisdak na iro pasagdan lang,” she added.

The massive ligation and spaying started May of this year with two birth control centers in the city’s north and south districts. The animal birth control center in the north district is situated at the city pound at the North Reclamation Area while the veterinary office of Southwestern University serves as the birth control center in the south.

Since May, five barangays in north district and 10 barangays in the south district have fully supported the program. Utlang said that aside from ligation, they will also give incentives to pet owners, including free rabies vaccination and free vaccination for scabbies.   - (THE FREEMAN)