Pet spaying, neutering to become mandatory

CEBU, Philippines — As part of its vision to become Singapore-like, the Cebu City Government will compel pet owners to have their fur babies spayed and neutered already, as the city government looks into strictly imposing the Animal Welfare Ordinance of 2019.

“As part of his Singapore-like aspirations, gusto ni Mayor Mike nga wala nay libud suroy nga mga iro ug iring sa atong kadalanan. Mao nang para ma-control nato nang mga libud suroy, ato nana i-offer nga dunay kapon ug ligate,” said Dr. Alice Utlang during the maiden broadcast of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF)’s City Hall in Action program over the city-run Sugboanon channel.

The practice of spaying and neutering pets in the country was pioneered by the Cebu City Government in 2009 alongside the Humane Society International (HSI), according to the city’s PIO.

Spaying and neutering pets are important as a way to control the number of stray pets without the need for inhumane animal control practices.

Neutering male pets can help reduce or eliminate the risk of having unwanted cats and dogs while also decreasing aggressive behavior especially dog bites.

Spaying female pets, on the other hand, can prevent heat cycles, eliminate or reduce the risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer.

The city’s DVMF, then led by Utlang over a decade ago, also taught the same procedure to veterinarians from other local government units and those involved in private practice.

From being optional, spaying and neutering will be made mandatory already by next year.

Utlang, who is currently working as a special assistant of Mayor Mike Rama for veterinary affairs, said the mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs and cats is under City Ordinance 2526 or the Animal Welfare Ordinance of 2019.

Those who refuse to have their pets spayed and neutered will be penalized once the law takes effect.

Owners can have their pets spayed and neutered through the DVMF or through private veterinarians.

DVMF acting head, Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, also reported that Cebuanos availed of the free spay and neuter services offered during the city’s celebration of the World Rabies Day at Plaza Sugbo.

DVMF also offered other free animal health services, including free anti-rabies vaccinations, deworming, free veterinary consultations and microchipping, while also giving the public a chance to adopt puppies during the activity. — (FREEMAN)