BACOLOD CITY – More than 75 dogs, including puppies, were adopted here before they were supposed to be subjected to euthanasia, according to animal rights advocate Bach Project PH.

According to Bach Project PH volunteer and spokesperson Daniel Sam Salvatierra, the dogs were earlier caught and impounded after they were found to have strayed from their owners’ residences.

She added the dogs had to be impounded in compliance with the anti-rabies of law.

Salvatierra added that if the dogs remained unclaimed by their owner within three to five days, they will be subjected to euthanasia, which is provided under the law.

Salvatierra said that some dogs were also surrendered by their owners, and the same fate will happen to them if no one adopts them.

“Every impounded dog is a candidate for adoption. Whether they were caught by the impounding team or surrendered,” she added.

Thus, they launched a pilot adoption drive here dubbed “Clear the Pound”, in cooperation with the Bacolod City Veterinary Office at Barangay 35 here last weekend.

“Those who came to adopt the dogs came from various areas in the province. We are working on the pound’s conversion into a ‘non-kill’ shelter/facility,” she said.

Salvatierra said that the adoption drive could probably be considered the biggest in the Philippines.

“We want to give light and hope to all the animal advocates in the country and perhaps the world too,” she said.

The group thanked all the volunteers, adopters, rescuers, fosterers, and fellow advocates for their support and cooperation, and for saving the dogs from euthanasia.