QUEZON CITY Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte is on the defense mode as far as the new Veterinary Code is concerned amid oppositions from some groups, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (PAWS).
Signed into law last March 26, 2015, she says it has already updated and integrated all applicable laws and related measures concerning animals to ensure that they’re in consonance with modern standards and practices.
Previous to the new Veterinary Code, Ordinance 2386 was signed on March 13, 2015 restricting the number of pet dogs and cats in the household to four and the necessity to apply for a special permit for additional pets which requires payment of P500 per animal.
Recognizing the groups’ right to air their views, Vice Mayor Belmonte insisted that the controversial issue with pet restrictions of up to four domesticated animals is now “moot and academic’’ as the March 26 ordinance has now prevailed superseding the March 13 ordinance.
She clarifies that the provisions of the March 13 measure in relation to the maximum four-pet restriction per household and the requirement of securing a special permit for each additional animal which costs P500 each had been omitted. He urges the concerned groups to engage in dialogs with city officials for the purpose.
Their participation in crafting the implementing rules and regulations will help the city government adequately address pressing issues related to the estimated 150,000 stray dogs in the city.
MALAPITAN ADMINISTRATION PUSHES BIGGER CITY JAIL
In nearby Caloocan, Mayor Oca Malapitan bares his plans to build a bigger correctional facility at its northern territory as wide tracks of idle lands are still available in that area.
He reveals his plan following his visit at the facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Dagat-Dagatan area where he personally saw the congestion problem inside.
According to Jail Warden Supt. Paulino Moreno, Jr., the current prison facility has an ideal capacity of 120 inmates based on the 4 sq.m./person international standard. “But our jail population now is 1,278 inmates, so this means we have more than 1,000% congestion rate,” he told this writer.
A dialogue between the mayor and the prison “mayors” followed the inspection tour, and the former provided all the answers to their problems.
Mayor Malapitan has announced that following the city’s donation to BJMP of a bus, van and a multi-cab, “in three months time will come another new L300 FB Van for its transport needs.”
As the local government is now reviewing the inventories of the city’s raw lands, Mayor Malapitan has expressed fears that the NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) mentality will prevail.
“Residents will not like a prison building in their area. They would surely oppose this. So we need a series of consultations and dialogues in the affected communities,” the mayor says. GOOD RIDDANCE/ARLIE CALALO
.. Continue: Remate.ph (source)
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