DA looks into dog poisoning in Argao
DA-7 Regional Technical Director Marina Hermoso was quick to dismiss speculations that a government-initiated poisoning of dogs was conducted at the town. File
CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) has alerted the municipal government of Argao on the reported mass poisoning of stray dogs in the southern town.
DA-7 Regional Technical Director Marina Hermoso was quick to dismiss speculations that a government-initiated poisoning of dogs was conducted at the town.
“We talked with the mayor (of Argao). He told me that there was no such thing that happened there or was reported to his office,” she said recalling her phone conversation with Argao town Mayor Stanley Caminero.
She immediately reached out to the town mayor after receiving the report. Hermoso initially didn’t have any idea of the alleged mass poisoning of stray dogs. She said Caminero assured that the municipal government has never undertaken such cruel procedure of poisoning dogs.
“When I called him, I told him to look into it,” she said, noting that the town mayor assured that the matter will be investigated.
She said Caminero sent a team to verify about the report whether stray dogs were indeed poisoned. Hermoso said her office is opposed to any attempt to poison stray dogs.
She said that this act is prohibited under Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 and its implementation has been strictly observed by DA-7.
She said what the regional agency has been advocating is a program that aims to provide domestic care for stray dogs like adoption.
Hermoso said any living dog is worthy to be saved, explaining that even the stray ones, they find responsible pet owners to take care of them. She said DA-7 is strongly fighting against any forms of abuse to animals.
She said this ongoing campaign is also getting the full support of the local government units. (FREEMAN)
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