Five months after inaugurating the island’s first animal shelter, the municipality of Virac has launched a campaign against stray animals, with a task force going around barangays and bringing their catch to the shelter in San Isidro Village.
As of last week, the team of trained animal handlers from the Municipal Agriculture Office’s Livestock Section, the Mayor’s Office, Municipal Engineering Office and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office has already gotten 24 dogs and seven (7) cats off the streets, to be cared for at the shelter inside the Community Hub.
The shelter, which has a total of 22 cages, can accommodate about 50 dogs and was inaugurated by Mayor Samuel Laynes together with the Animal and Human Wellness Society last February 2024.
The task force initially focused on catching stray dogs along length of the boulevard from Rawis to Ibong Sapa, before venturing into Capilihan, the Virac Fountain, the public market area, EBMC, San Isidro Village, Virac Town Center and the Ilawod area.
Those whose dogs were caught are advised to recover their pets within three (3) days by going to the MAO or calling 09469884096, pay an impounding fee of P500 and bring a leash and a cage for their pets.
Animals which are not claimed within the period will be up for adoption, the LGU said.
Aside from providing a safe haven for stray animals, the establishment of the shelter addresses concerns of the public due to vehicular accidents caused by animals roaming on roads and highways, as well as in preventing potential health and sanitation issues.
Managed by the MAO Livestock Section headed by Agricultural Technologist Reynaldo, the shelter is awaiting the release of its registration with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) regional office.
Last April 3-4, technical staff and task force members of the Virac LGU underwent training on humane animal handling conducted by the personnel of the Naga City Pound.
Focused on catching, rescuing and maintaining animals, the training covered a wide array of topics, including proper restraint techniques, stress reduction strategies, and understanding animal behavior, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the well-being of animals under their care.
The trainees underwent interactive and hands-on techniques under the guidance of experienced professionals. Through simulations and real-life scenarios, attendees learned to recognize signs of distress in animals and respond appropriately.
Among those who conducted the training were former Naga City veterinarian Dr. Junior J. Elad Jr., Prospero T. Peña and Dr. Rosela A. Tenerife of the Department of Agriculture, Region V – Regulatory Division, and Josielyn D. Niangar, Alex S. Buitizon, and Richard M. Espinola of Naga City Veterinary Office.