• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The surgical sterilization (kapon) of pets in Bacolod City will soon be for free, in a bid to control their population and reduce rabies cases.
The proposed Libreng Kapon for Pets Ordinance, approved on third and final reading recently, calls for the establishment of free spaying and neutering services program, targeting the pets of qualified indigent residents of Bacolod.
Private veterinary clinics that will participate in the program shall also be granted a tax reduction of up to five percent of their annual business tax, provided they meet the minimum of 10 surgeries per month, per the ordinance.
“The overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in Bacolod poses a significant challenge to public health, safety, and animal welfare, leading to the spread of rabies and an increase in animal abandonment,” proponent Councilor Al Victor Espino said.
But this challenge can be effectively addressed by making surgical sterilization accessible to residents, particularly indigent pet owners, he said. “Providing incentives to participating veterinary clinics shall increase the availability and their participation in the program.”
Under the ordinance, medical consumables, like anesthesia, sutures, needles, and post-op antibiotics, shall be provided by the city government to the participating clinics.
All pets must be registered with the City Veterinary Office, which shall have the sole authority to refer pet patients to participating private veterinary clinics. “Pet owners must present a valid Certificate of Indigency issued by their barangay or a valid 4Ps ID.”
Each indigent household is allowed a maximum of two free pet surgeries per year to ensure the equitable distribution of funds, the ordinance states. | CGC
