TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The provincial government has enacted an ordinance that regulates raising of dogs in the province, giving their owners full responsibility for any trespass, accident, harm or injury caused by their dogs.
Provincial Ordinance No. 222, which shall be known as “Dog Owners’ Responsibility Ordinance in the Province of Cavite,” requires enclosures or fenced-in yard for pet dogs as preventive measures against occurrence of rabies, injury, damage and other hazards in Cavite province.
The ordinance was introduced and sponsored by Philippine Councilors League (PCL) President Kerby Javier Salazar and approved by Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla last October 18. It will take effect “after its approval and compliance with the posting and publication requirements.”
Under the ordinance, dog owners should ensure their dogs are securely contained within the owner’s premises/property by putting enclosures or must be in a fenced-in yard, and that dogs are securely leashed or tied whenever taken out of the owner’s premises and under the supervision of a person physically capable of controlling the dog.
Dog owner-parents, who allow their child to lead a dog in public places, open spaces or open parks, alleys or streets/roads shall assume the liability for any trespass, accident, harm or injury caused by their pets.
Owners are also required to ensure dogs are given needed immunizations and/or vaccines to prevent spread of rabies and/or similar infection; pets must registered, with license and properly tagged by the city veterinarian office and in case the dog is found at large, dog owners shall produce the immunization records of their dogs upon demand by authorized persons.
Registration for pet dogs comes with a fee, and owners are advised to bring their current, latest immunization records when they process their dog permit and tag at the city/municipal veterinary office. The registration is valid for a year.
Any person found violating any provision of the ordinance will be meted with PHP2,000; PHP3,000 and PHP5,000 penalties for the first, second and third offense, respectively. (Gladys Pino/PNA)
