THE local government of Murcia in Negros Occidental, police, barangay officials, and Bach Project PH meet to discuss steps to address animal cruelty and strengthen animal welfare. (Bach Project PH)
BACOLOD CITY – The municipal government of Murcia in Negros Occidental is conducting education and barangay visitation to strengthen animal welfare in the town.
The local government, along with the police, barangay officials, and Bach Project PH, recently held a meeting to discuss the necessary steps to address animal cruelty in the town.
Police Capt. Honey Labaro, Murcia police chief, said the meeting discussed plans to revive the town’s dog pound, which was previously halted due to lack of space.
The local government will also hold a symposium for pet owners to educate them on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Barangay visits will also be conducted as part of awareness efforts.
Labaro described the meeting as positive and collaborative.
Animal welfare group Bach Project PH echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post and called it a “heartfelt collaboration” and expressed optimism about the future of animal welfare in Murcia.
Bach Project PH has supported hundreds of rescued animals, providing food, shelter, and care through community support, in the past six years.
Labaro stressed the importance of notifying authorities before posting incidents online.
He noted that failure to coordinate with police hampers immediate response efforts.
The Murcia Municipal Police Station urged the public to follow proper reporting procedures for animal cruelty cases after dogs were attacked with darts recently.
Bach Project PH acknowledged their oversight in not informing authorities first and committed to following proper protocols moving forward.
Three dart attacks occurred, the latest in Barangay Iglau-an, far from the two previous cases in Barangays Blumentritt and Caliban.
The most recent victim, a dog named Maxi, was seriously injured after he was shot with a dart arrow that landed close to his heart last month.
Two dogs, Buldog and Tiktok, were rescued with dart-related injuries last February.
These dogs recovered from the dart attacks, but Tiktok passed away in a car accident early this month.
Labaro said they still have no lead on the persons responsible for these attacks, and investigation is ongoing.