Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano clarified that the so-called “tambutso killing” method is not being practiced by the City Veterinary Office (CVO) as a means of euthanasia for stray animals, following a viral social media post accusing the office of using the method to kill impounded dogs and cats. 

Rubiano called the post malicious and baseless. She added that it is misleading and aims to damage and taint the CVO’s reputation while inciting public outrage through false information.

According to CVO, they never use “tambutso” or any inhumane methods for handling or euthanizing animals, as they strictly adhere to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) guidelines.

Under the strict guidance of the mayor, all animal control and handling procedures in the city are carried out only by trained personnel, aligned with the Animal Welfare Act (R.A. 8485, as amended by R.A. 10631) and the guidelines established by the BAI.

Rubiano said the city’s Animal Control Facility is duly accredited by the BAI with a main goal of ensuring the humane, ethical, and lawful treatment of animals.

The mayor said the city government upholds animal welfare and ensures that all activities of the CVO comply with the Animal Welfare Act and other humane treatment standards. 

She added that the office remains committed to improving the well-being of animals and promoting responsible pet ownership in the community. 

The mayor added that the Pasay CVO strictly follows proper procedures in catching and handling stray animals, including impounding, vaccination, and adoption programs.