LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) in Pangasinan has issued a firm reminder to respect dogs as loyal companions and refrain from consuming them as food.
Dr. Arcely Robeniol, Pangasinan Provincial Veterinarian, emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and protecting dogs from illegal meat trading, which often spikes during celebrations.
“During this Christmas season, I would like to remind the public to be responsible pet owners and never raise or breed dogs for the purpose of food consumption,” Robeniol told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Pangasinan in an interview on Thursday, Dec 19.
She emphasized that selling and buying dogs for their meat is prohibited and poses potential health risks for those who consume it.
“We have the Animal Welfare Act or Republic Act No. 8485, which protects the rights of our pets, like dogs. Let us remember that they bring joy and loyalty to our homes. They are members of our family, so we should treat them with respect and compassion,” she said.
Robeniol added that authorities are working to curb these practices and ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, which prohibits the slaughter and consumption of dogs.
She also encouraged the public to report any cases of animal cruelty or dog-meat trading to local authorities.
Arrianne Paningbatan, a pet owner from Mangatarem town, echoed Robeniol’s sentiments, calling for greater awareness on responsible pet care.
“We should work together to increase the public’s awareness that animals should not be made products of abuse, but lives that deserve to be respected and protected,” Paningbatan said in an interview.
To promote responsible pet ownership, the OPVet conducted 62 veterinary medical missions that served 8, 266 pet owners in the province to educate communities on proper animal care, rabies prevention, and controlling stray populations.
Through the OPVet’s public awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives, a total of 163,188 dogs and cats were also vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, 1,081 cats were spayed, 2,212 cats were castrated, 9,098 animals were dewormed, and 719 animals received treatment.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty leading to an animal’s death face penalties of one and a half to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to P100,000.
If the violator is a syndicate or business involved in animal cruelty, a public officer or employee, or if three or more animals are involved, the penalty increases to two to three years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to P250,000.
For concerns or to report incidents of animal cruelty, the public may reach the Pangasinan Provincial Veterinary Office at telephone number 075-633-4699 or via email at [email protected]. (CMT/ESA, PIA Pangasinan)
