QuestionsQuestions (VALENZUELA CITY ORDICE NO. 131 SERIES OF 2014)
The ordinance cites Section 7 paragraphs (6) and (12) of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which place responsibility on LGUs to enact additional local ordinances supporting the national rabies prevention and control program (including local regulation of “tandok”) for administrative feasibility.
“Tandok” is defined as a person or practice of applying traditional remedies in relation to dog bites. It is relevant because the ordinance (and the national law it supports) contemplates LGU regulation of such practices to manage rabies risk and ensure proper post-exposure actions.
It is tasked with: (1) mass vaccination of dogs; (2) establishment of a central database for registered and vaccinated dogs; (3) impounding, field control, and disposition of unregistered stray/unvaccinated dogs; (4) encouraging responsible pet ownership; and (5) conducting information and education campaigns on rabies prevention and waste/excrement disposal and management.
The City Health Office must: (1) conduct information/education campaigns on prevention and control of rabies including regulation of “tandok”; (2) provide pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk personnel and post-exposure treatment for animal bite victims; and (3) encourage responsible pet ownership.
Task Force Disiplina must assist during mandatory registration and mass vaccination, help during impounding/capture/seizure when owners refuse cooperation, and participate in city-wide campaigns. For violations, it may issue citation tickets or Ordinance Violation Receipts/Tickets.
Pet owners must: (a) regularly vaccinate dogs/cats and maintain a registration card with vaccination records; (b) submit dogs for mandatory registration; (c) maintain control and prevent roaming in public without leash; (d) provide proper grooming, food, and clean shelter; (e) clean/dispose animal waste properly; (f) within 24 hours report dog/cat biting incidents and place the dog/cat under observation by a veterinarian; and (g) assist the bite victim and shoulder medical expenses and related incidental costs.
They must be submitted for mandatory annual registration and vaccination upon reaching the age of three (3) months during the barangay mass anti-rabies vaccination.
A registration fee of P50.00 per dog is required; vaccination is free upon registration.
Impounding fee: small animals—P500.00/animal; large animals—P1,000.00/animal. Care fee: P200.00/head/day.
Owners have three (3) days to redeem. They must present the registration/rabies vaccination certificate and pay the required fees.
They are not redeemable and are subject to immediate disposal by euthanasia, with the minimum physical and mental suffering.
Victims must report the incident to the City Health Office within 24 hours. They should consult a physician or visit the nearest Animal Bite Center for proper treatment. Animal bite cases must be reported to the City Veterinary Services Office within 24 hours, and suspected rabid animals must be reported immediately.
The pet should be restrained and observed for fourteen (14) days for signs of rabies or be submitted to a licensed veterinarian for observation. If it dies within fourteen (14) days, the owner must call a veterinarian or contact the City Veterinary Services Office for proper submission of sample to the nearest diagnostic laboratory.
Dog meat trading is prohibited. Any person found trading dogs for meat is liable for the penalties set forth in the Anti Rabies Act and this Ordinance.
Pet owners must not permit their animals to urinate/defecate in public or on another’s private property. Penalties: first offense—warning; second offense—fine of P500.00; third offense—fine of P1,000.00; fourth offense—fine of P1,500.00 or one month imprisonment at the court’s discretion.