City Councilor Melbourne T. Bustamante has authored comprehensive draft legislation that would establish mandatory rabies prevention measures across Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, targeting the growing public health concern of dog bite incidents nationwide.
The proposed "City Rabies Prevention and Control Ordinance," designated as Draft Ordinance No. 2021-26, introduces a systematic framework combining compulsory pet vaccinations, animal registration protocols, and the formation of prevention committees from city to barangay levels.
Local officials cite concerning national data indicating that canine bite incidents have emerged as a primary cause of illness across the Philippines, driving the push for proactive municipal health protection strategies.
Registration and Vaccination Protocol
The draft legislation mandates that all canines within city limits undergo yearly rabies immunization beginning at three months of age. Pet owners would pay PHP 10.00 for each vaccination session and a one-time PHP 50.00 registration charge.
Annual pet registration must occur through the City Veterinary Office, with financial transactions processed via the City Treasurer's Office. Compliant animals would display numbered identification tags on their collars as verification of proper documentation.
Newcomers to Guihulngan City receive a 30-day adjustment period for pet registration, though short-term visitors remaining under 30 days may present existing vaccination documentation instead of registering locally.
Multi-Level Prevention Committee Structure
The ordinance creates a City Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (CRPCC) under mayoral leadership, with the City Veterinarian and City Health Officer serving as deputy chairmen. Additional committee composition includes Sangguniang Panlungsod health and agriculture committee leaders, the Liga ng mga Barangay president, all 33 barangay officials, the municipal police commander, and NGO representatives.
Individual barangays would establish Barangay Rabies Prevention and Control Committees (BRPCC) under punong barangay direction. These local units would compile comprehensive pet population databases, support immunization drives, document bite incidents, and propose enhanced prevention strategies.
Barangay-level committees would possess authority to coordinate mass stray animal collection operations and suggest targeted interventions for reducing rabies transmission risks within their jurisdictions.
Animal Impoundment and Stray Control
The legislation classifies any unleashed pet wandering public areas or beyond owner property boundaries as stray animals subject to municipal impoundment at city-managed facilities under City Veterinarian oversight.
Captured animals trigger three-day notification procedures, allowing owners to retrieve pets by paying PHP 500.00 poundage fees plus supplementary medical or vaccination expenses. Unclaimed animals after the notification period become available for adoption by qualified individuals.
Provisions exist for humane euthanization of dangerous, diseased, or suffering animals following Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 21 guidelines from 1999.
Commercial Enterprise Requirements
Animal-related businesses including pet retailers, veterinary practices, and breeding operations housing more than 10 dogs must obtain PHP 500.00 business permits. These establishments require City Veterinary Office registration and must submit quarterly animal inventory reports.
Non-compliance with registration requirements or failure to provide animal documentation results in PHP 1,000.00 penalties, while missing vaccination certificates may lead to animal confiscation.
Bite Response Protocols and Owner Liability
The ordinance establishes detailed procedures for managing canine bite situations. Biting animals face mandatory 14-day quarantine observation periods, with owners or victims obligated to notify the City Health Office within 24 hours of incidents.
Property owners assume financial responsibility for bite-related medical costs when incidents occur beyond their enclosed premises or involve lawful visitors. However, liability exemptions apply when unauthorized individuals enter private enclosed property.
Animals displaying rabies symptoms face immediate destruction, with head specimens forwarded to appropriate testing facilities for disease confirmation.
Personnel Protection Measures
The proposed ordinance includes safeguards for City Veterinary Office staff performing vaccination and animal handling responsibilities. All authorized vaccination personnel would receive complimentary pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis to prevent occupational infection risks.
Municipal government commits to providing medical assistance and support for vaccination staff injured during official duty performance.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violation consequences follow graduated severity levels. Initial offenses incur PHP 1,500.00 fines, while repeat violations carry PHP 2,500.00 penalties plus potential one-month detention. Third offenses may result in PHP 5,000.00 fines and imprisonment up to three months.
The ordinance allows amicable resolution options, enabling violators to settle fines directly with the City Treasurer during preliminary investigations.
Folk Medicine Restrictions
A significant provision explicitly bans traditional "tandok" folk healing practices for animal bite treatment. This measure ensures bite victims receive appropriate medical intervention rather than depending on customary remedies.
The comprehensive ordinance demonstrates Guihulngan City's dedication to public health safeguarding and responsible animal ownership. Implementation requires annual budget allocations covering vaccination expenses and program operations, with funding levels determined by Sanggunian review of committee recommendations.
The legislation would become effective following 15 consecutive days of public posting throughout the poblacion and all barangays, subject to final Sangguniang Panlungsod examination and approval.