Malaybalay City ramps up crackdown vs stray dogs

Personnel from the Malaybalay City Veterinary Office prepare a large net to catch a stray dog during a “Dakip-Aso” operation. The city government has intensified its stray-catching drive across all barangays under Republic Act 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007) to curb rabies cases, bite incidents, and street accidents. (Photo by LGU Malaybalay City) MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The city government recently intensified its citywide “Dakip-Aso” campaign against stray dogs across all barangays, resulting in 33 dogs euthanized, 44 impounded, 10 reclaimed by their owners and one adopted. The initiative strictly enforces Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. Local authorities aim to eliminate human rabies fatalities, reduce animal bite incidents, and minimize road accidents caused by unconfined pets. Teams equipped with nets and transport vehicles are patrolling local thoroughfares to impound roaming animals. Article continues after this advertisement City veterinarian Jude Ignatius Casimero stated that free-roaming animals have increased public road accidents and bite incidents, resulting in greater demand on the local government for medical and financial assistance. Captured animals are taken to the city veterinary facility where they receive temporary shelter, food, vaccinations and basic care. Under city guidelines, pet owners have three days to retrieve impounded animals after paying a P1,100 penalty. Unclaimed animals are offered for adoption. The unadopted ones undergo humane euthanasia as a final resort. Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran reminded owners to keep pets leashed or confined to private property and encouraged participation in free government vaccination programs. “Enforcing the Anti-Rabies Act is not just about impounding stray animals—it is a vital measure to protect our citizens, especially children, from rabies while ensuring pet owners take full responsibility for their animals,” Pabillaran said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.