The city government is establishing a new animal care and adoption center to provide better protection and welfare for impounded animals.

The two-story facility, with a budget of PHP10 million, would replace the city’s current overcrowded animal pound. The amount will be sourced from the city’s share of the operation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or other realigned funds.

Dr. Silardo Bested, chief of the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), said in an interview on Tuesday that the new facility will provide improved care, treatment, and adoption services for stray dogs and cats.

The center will feature individual animal cages, a significant improvement from the current setup, where four to five animals are often squeezed into a single cage. It will also include a surgery room for medical treatment, neutering and emergency procedures.

Moreover, Bested said the facility will house offices for the CVAO’s Animal Health Division and a cashier’s office to process adoption or claiming fees on-site for convenience.

Jordan Habbiling, City Council information officer, said the project has drawn positive responses from animal welfare advocates, pet owners and concerned citizens who described it as a long-awaited step for the welfare and dignity of stray dogs and cats.

“They said it is a wish come true for the city’s voiceless animals,” he said.

Stray animals are prohibited anywhere in Baguio by Ordinance 19-2021, or the Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance. The CVAO impounds animals caught by the City Pound, and owners are required to pay a minimum fee of PHP500 plus daily fees to reclaim their pets. (PNA)