BY GLAZYL MASCULINO
BACOLOD CITY – More than 75 dogs, including puppies, were adopted here before they were supposed to be euthanized, according to Bach Project PH, a non-profit animal welfare organization.
According to Bach Project Ph volunteer and spokesperson Daniel Sam Salvatierra, the dogs were all impounded after they were found not in the proper premises of the owners.
They were considered “stray” based on the anti-rabies law, thus we impounded them,” she added.
Salvatierra said that if these dogs are unclaimed by the owner in three to five days, they will be subjected to euthanasia which is provided under the law.
Salvatierra said that some dogs were also surrendered by their owners and the same fate will happen to them if no one adopts them.
Thus, they launched a pilot adoption drive here dubbed “Clear the Pound” in cooperation with the Bacolod City Veterinary Office at Barangay 35 here over the weekend.
Salvatierra said that the adoption drive can probably be considered the biggest in the Philippines.
Adopters of the dogs came from various areas in the province.
Every impounded dog is campaigned for adoption. Whether they were caught by the impounding team or surrendered, she said.
We are praying and be working on the pound’s conversion into a “non-kill” shelter/facility, she said.
The group hoped that adopters will be able to really take care of the dogs and give them a safe, clean and comfortable environment.
“We want to give light and hope to all the animal advocates in the country and perhaps the world too,” she said.
The group thanked all the volunteers, adopters, rescuers, fosterers, and fellow advocates for their support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, she said that for now the City Veterinary Office is focused on giving out anti-rabies vaccines until early next year.
