The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is not unfriendly to stray dogs and cats roaming in its prison facilities nationwide.
However, BuCor said it decided to ban them for "public safety measures."
“This is for public safety, control, and prevention of the spread and eventual eradication of animal rabies in the community,” the bureau said in its Facebook post.
“Likewise, this is part of the preventive measures to protect the K9 units posted at the gates from ticks and fleas,” it added.
In the case of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, BuCor said its Security and Escort Command (BSEC) has been directed “to coordinate with and seek assistance from Muntinlupa City Veterinarian Office for the conduct of regular rescue operations and impounding of the stray dogs/cats within the NBP Reservation especially in the premises surrounding the National Headquarters building.”
At the same time, it said that it has ordered its authorized personnel occupying the NBP reservation and their dependents “to ensure that their pets are leashed or confined within the premises of their houses or fenced surroundings and have them regularly vaccinated against rabies.”
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. had earlier said the bureau is planning to get more K9 units for its facilities this year.
He said that P10 million out of the bureau's P7.4 billion budget for 2024 has been allotted for the acquisition of more K9 units .