Pet owners and animal welfare advocates in Cebu City may soon have a dedicated venue to report cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and other violations under a proposed ordinance seeking to establish Animal Welfare Desks in all police stations across the city.
The measure, authored by Councilor Phillip Zafra, has been included in the agenda of the Cebu City Council’s regular session on June 23.
If approved, the ordinance will require all police stations under the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to set up an Animal Welfare Desk that will serve as the primary receiving unit for complaints involving animal welfare concerns and coordinate response actions with relevant government agencies.
Zafra said the proposal is aimed at strengthening enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and making it easier for residents to report incidents of abuse.
The ordinance cites Republic Act No. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, which affirms state policy to protect and promote the welfare of animals.
Under the proposed measure, the dedicated desks will handle reports involving animal cruelty, neglect, illegal slaughter, and wildlife trafficking. They will also be tasked to document complaints, maintain records, and coordinate with the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) for appropriate intervention.
Police stations will also be required to display visible signage informing the public that animal welfare complaints may be filed at the stations.
The ordinance defines an Animal Welfare Desk as a designated unit within a police station that will specifically handle animal welfare concerns.
It also creates the position of an Animal Welfare Designated Officer, to be assigned by the CCPO, who will undergo training on animal welfare laws and humane handling of animals.
One of the key provisions requires the desks to act within 24 hours in cases where animals are in imminent danger.
They will also be authorized to coordinate rescue operations, secure incident scenes when necessary, preserve evidence, and facilitate the turnover of rescued animals to shelters, veterinary facilities, or proper authorities.
The desks will also conduct initial fact-finding in coordination with agencies such as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the DVMF, depending on the case.
Complainants will likewise be guided on available legal remedies and procedures under existing animal welfare laws.
The proposed ordinance mandates that each Animal Welfare Desk be headed by a designated police officer, with preference given to personnel trained in animal welfare enforcement.
It also directs the DVMF, in coordination with the CCPO, to craft implementing rules and regulations within 60 days once the measure is approved.
If passed and signed by the mayor, the ordinance will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Comments