The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has begun accepting complaints related to animal abuse, particularly involving cats and dogs, at police stations across the city. This development comes ahead of the full passage of a City Council ordinance that would establish an animal welfare desk in every police precinct.
Training of Police Officers Completed
The Cebu City Hall Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has already completed training for police officers who will staff these desks. According to DVMF head Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, two officers per precinct have been trained to handle animal-related complaints.
“Kay naa man guy mga reklamo about animals. Dili man gud tanang pulis kabalo mo-entertain ug ing-ana. So, mao tong nag-train ta, nag-deputize ta og mga police officers per station,” Maribojoc said. (There are complaints about animals, and not all police officers know how to handle such concerns. That is why we conducted training and deputized police officers per station.)
Ordinance Pushed by Councilor Zafra
The proposed ordinance establishing an animal welfare desk in every police precinct was pushed by Councilor Philip Zafra in the City Council. The city’s animal welfare ordinance aligns with the national Animal Welfare Act, which penalizes acts of cruelty and related offenses against animals.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rodulf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the CCPO, expressed support for the initiative. “Amo nang gi welcome diri sa Cebu City Police Office ang pagpasa sa ordinansa nga naghatag na gyud og kadugang lig-on sa mga responsible pet owners, pag atiman sa atung pets, paglikay sa pangabuso ug specific na gyud karon kung asa modangop ang mga pet owner,” Oriol said. (The Cebu City Police Office welcomes the passage of the ordinance, which strengthens support for responsible pet ownership, proper care of pets, prevention of abuse, and clearly identifies where pet owners can seek assistance.)
Next Steps: IRR and Formal Assignments
The CCPO is now awaiting the approval of the ordinance by the City Council. Once passed, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will be drafted, allowing personnel to be formally assigned to the Animal Welfare Desk in every police station.
City Ordinance 2526, known as the Animal Welfare Ordinance of Cebu City, sets penalties for animal abuse and neglect. Its goal is to protect innocent animals, which are often victims of individuals who show cruelty toward them.
