Baguio reiterates opposition to dog meat trade, warns violators
BAGUIO CITY – The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) has renewed its strong condemnation of the illegal dog meat trade following the arrest of a man allegedly caught slaughtering three dogs.
CVAO head Dr. Silardo Bested said the city government remains committed to enforcing Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
"The city government of Baguio strongly condemns the continued dog meat trade and all forms of cruelty inflicted upon animals, practices which have no place in a humane and law-abiding society," Bested said.
The CVAO reiterated that consumption, transport, slaughter and trade of dogs for meat are prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act.
The statement followed an incident in one of the city's barangays where a man was allegedly caught butchering three dogs. Charges have been filed against the suspect.
Bested noted that the city has previously revoked or declined to renew the business permits of establishments found serving dog meat. Authorities have also intensified operations against individuals and groups involved in the illegal trade and transport of dogs for slaughter.
He added that the city's animal impounding facility has also been upgraded to comply with animal welfare standards.
“We recognize that protecting animal welfare is not merely a legal obligation, but also a reflection of the kind of society we aspire to build — one that values life and promotes kindness toward all living beings," Bested said.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged residents to report incidents of animal cruelty and support the city's campaign to end illegal dog meat trade.
Meanwhile, in La Trinidad, Benguet, Mayor Roderick Awingan vowed to crack down on the dog meat trade, including the possible cancellation of business permits of establishments found serving dog meat.
The commitment came after an animal rights advocate filed complaints against the owners of two establishments in the Benguet capital.
The advocate allegedly purchased dog meat from the establishments and had samples tested, with laboratory results reportedly confirming the presence of dog DNA.
Animal rights advocate Amadeo Degay said he is intending to pursue the cases and urged the public to help stop the sale of dog meat.
"I am pursuing the case. This should not be permitted, and let it serve as a reminder that killing dogs for food is prohibited by law," Degay said. (PNA)