The City of Guihulngan in Negros Oriental is strengthening its public health defenses through a comprehensive draft ordinance that would require mandatory annual anti-rabies vaccination for all dogs aged three months and above, according to proposed legislation authored by City Councilor Melbourne T. Bustamante.
Draft Ordinance No. 2021-26, titled the "City Rabies Prevention and Control Ordinance," establishes a multi-tiered approach to rabies prevention that includes strict animal control measures, mandatory pet registration, and the creation of specialized committees at both city and barangay levels.
The proposed legislation cites alarming statistics showing that dog bites are now among the leading causes of morbidity in the Philippines, prompting local officials to take decisive action to protect public health and safety.
Mandatory Vaccination and Registration Requirements
Under the proposed ordinance, all dog owners in Guihulngan City would be required to submit their pets for annual vaccination against rabies once the animals reach three months of age. The legislation establishes a fee structure of PHP 10.00 per vaccination and PHP 50.00 for one-time registration.
Dog owners must register their pets annually at the City Veterinary Office, with payments processed through the City Treasurer's Office. Each vaccinated and registered dog would receive a numbered tag attached to its collar as proof of compliance.
New residents moving to Guihulngan City would have a 30-day grace period to register their pets, though exemptions exist for temporary visitors staying less than 30 days, provided they can present valid vaccination cards.
City and Barangay Prevention Committees
The ordinance establishes a City Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (CRPCC) headed by the mayor, with the City Veterinarian and City Health Officer serving as vice-chairmen. Committee members include Sangguniang Panlungsod chairmen for health and agriculture, the Liga ng mga Barangay president, all 33 barangay captains, the city police chief, and representatives from non-governmental organizations.
At the grassroots level, each barangay would form its own Barangay Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (BRPCC) led by the punong barangay. These committees would maintain master lists of dog and cat populations, assist in vaccination campaigns, report bite cases, and recommend policies to enhance rabies prevention efforts.
The barangay committees would also have authority to request mass impounding of stray animals and recommend measures to reduce rabies incidents in their areas.
Stray Animal Control and Impoundment
The proposed legislation defines stray animals as any unleashed, unrestrained pets roaming freely in public places or outside their owner's premises. Such animals would be subject to impoundment at a city-operated animal pound under the supervision of the City Veterinarian.
Impounded animals would trigger a three-day notice period, during which owners can reclaim their pets by paying a PHP 500.00 poundage fee plus additional costs for medication or vaccination. Animals not redeemed within the notice period may be offered for adoption to responsible individuals.
The ordinance includes provisions for humane destruction of animals found to be dangerous, sick, or suffering, following guidelines established by Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 21 from 1999.
Business Registration and Commercial Operations
Pet shops, veterinary clinics, and animal breeding enterprises would be required to secure business licenses costing PHP 500.00 for operations maintaining more than 10 dogs. These businesses must register with the City Veterinary Office and submit quarterly reports listing all animals in their custody.
Failure to register or provide animal inventories would result in PHP 1,000.00 fines, while inability to present valid vaccination certificates could lead to animal impoundment.
Bite Incident Reporting and Owner Responsibility
The ordinance establishes strict protocols for handling dog bite incidents. Any dog that bites a person must be quarantined for 14 days of observation, with the owner or victim required to report the incident to the City Health Office within 24 hours.
Dog owners would bear financial responsibility for bite-related medical expenses when incidents occur outside their enclosed premises or when victims were lawfully present on the owner's property. However, owners would not be liable for expenses when unauthorized individuals trespass on their enclosed premises.
Animals suspected of having rabies would be destroyed, with their heads sent to appropriate agencies for examination.
Vaccinator Protection and Support
The proposed legislation includes provisions protecting City Veterinary Office personnel who conduct dog vaccination and handling duties. All authorized vaccinators would receive free pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent rabies infection while performing their duties.
When vaccinators are bitten during official duties, the local government would provide medical assistance and support to affected personnel.
Penalty Structure and Enforcement
The ordinance establishes escalating penalties for violations. First-time offenders would face PHP 1,500.00 fines, while second offenses carry PHP 2,500.00 fines and potential one-month imprisonment. Third violations could result in PHP 5,000.00 fines and up to three months imprisonment.
The legislation permits amicable settlement, allowing violators to pay fines directly to the City Treasurer during initial investigations.
Traditional Medicine Prohibition
In a notable provision, the ordinance explicitly prohibits the practice of folk medicine "tandok" for treating animal bite victims. This measure aims to ensure that bite victims receive proper medical treatment rather than relying on traditional remedies.
The comprehensive ordinance represents Guihulngan City's commitment to public health protection and responsible pet ownership. According to the proposed legislation, implementation would require annual budget appropriations covering vaccination costs and related program expenses, with amounts determined by the Sanggunian based on committee recommendations.
The ordinance would take effect after 15 consecutive days of posting in conspicuous public locations throughout the poblacion and all barangays, followed by Sangguniang Panlungsod review and approval.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of City of Guihulngan/Facebook