The local government of Malabon met with animal welfare group Biyaya to discuss the well being of animals in the city as trade for dog meat remain prevalent despite being illegal.

During the meeting, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval recalled Biyaya’s vision to implement programs that would teach communities on responsible animal care, vaccination and proper treatment of animals.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nakiisa at tumulong upang maisakatuparan ang programang ito para sa mas ligtas at mas maayos na komunidad—para sa tao at sa ating mga alagang hayop (Thank you very much to everyone who participated and helped to implement this program for a safer and more orderly community—for people and our pets),” she said.

BIYAYA President and CEO Rina Ortiz emphasized that there are realities that even with continued rescue and prevention efforts for free-roaming animals, there is still a reality of illegal dog meat trade.

“Napag-usapan namin ang need to strengthen enforcement, palalimin ang investigation sa supply chains, at panagutin ang lahat ng involved (We discussed the need to strengthen enforcement, deepen the investigation into supply chains, and hold everyone involved accountable),” she said.

“Hindi lang ito animal welfare issue. Ito ay public health concern, governance issue, at sukatan kung gaano natin pinapatupad ang batas (This is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a public health concern, a governance issue, and a measure of how well we enforce the law),” she added.

Ortiz noted that community animals are not commodities and are protected by law.

She added that with the help of the local government, the Philippine National Police, and key departments such as sanitation and health, ground monitoring, disease prevention and community safety are ensured.

Also, programs including Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) make sure humane population management is observed as well as active dismantling of illegal trade and clear accountability push for a safe environment on animals.

Present during the meeting were Heart for Animal Welfare sa Kongreso (HAWK) President Lilo Antonio, Malabon Chief of Police PCol. Allan Umipig and City Health Depatment Officer-in-Charge Dr. Bernadette Bordador.