San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday, August 21, announced the suspension and the filing of charges against the city's veterinarian and three others following the deaths of numerous dogs and cats at the city pound during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina last July 24.
(Photo from Strategic Power for Animal Respondents Philippines)
Several photos and videos of the city pound in Barangay Batis that have gone viral on social media showed cages filled with rescued animals that were allegedly left on their own during the storm.
This led to the deaths of multiple cats and dogs under its care.
"Upon my instructions, the City Legal Department (CLD) quickly initiated an investigation to determine if the involved government employees can be charged administratively. The CLD subsequently recommended the filing of a formal charge with the grievance and disciplinary committee against the city veterinarian which I have already approved," Zamora said.
"I have placed him under preventive suspension to ensure that he will not be able to influence the investigation. Charged as well are three permanent employees. One job order employee was immediately terminated. Additionally, the city government is moving to relocate the Animal Pound to a safer location to prevent future incidents and improve conditions. These decisive actions reflect Makabagong San Juan's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all its residents," he added.
The combined effects of the two weather disturbances caused wide-spread flooding and torrential rains throughout Metro Manila, causing the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under a State of Calamity.