Manila Mayor Isko Moreno promised that a new city pound and animal clinic would be built in Tondo, Manila. This is in hopes of providing better care for the stray dogs and cats through health services and shelter. Around 60 to 70 stray animals are caught daily on the streets of Manila, according to Dr.
Joey Diaz, Supervising Veterinarian at the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board (VIB).
Moreno plans for the new animal shelter to be constructed inside a 3,000-square meter compound in Vitas, Tondo. Aside from the animal shelter, a “modern” slaughter house and a vertical housing community will be utilizing the space.
“Mayroon din kaming ginawang building para sa mga nakokolekta naming mga aso at pusa na stray o pets… mayroon din tayong lugar para sa kanila,” Moreno stated. “Bibigyan natin sila ng malinis at maayos na kalalagyan [at] clinic… Kung ano ‘yung required para sa mga hayop.” [We will also have a building for the stray cats and dogs or pets we collect from the streets… We will also have a place for them. We will give them a clean and proper place and a clinic… We will provide what is required for these animals.]
Other than more space, Dr. Diaz talked about the need for upgraded facilities and segregated spaces. “We cannot allow stray animals to roam kasi may relasyon ‘yan sa control ng diseases na puwedeng maisalin sa tao, like rabies and other contagious diseases,” he said. “Ngayon, limited sa treatment. Hindi kami puwede makapag-confine. Also siguro [we need] a space for animal rehabilitation. We have enough cages but we do not have enough space where we could place the cages. Kailangan para makagalaw sila nang maayos, at para ‘yung mga gustong mag-adopt, makakapamili sila ng maayos.”
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[We cannot allow stray animals to roam because it is related to the control of diseases that may affect humans, like rabies and other contagious diseases. Now, we have limited treatment.
We cannot confine. We probably also need space for animal rehabilitation. We need that so the animals can move easily and so that those who want to adopt will be able to choose conveniently.]
We should expect the new city pound to complete construction by early 2020 as it will take 6 to 8 months to finish building.
What do you think about this?
