Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has announced a new initiative to control the stray animal population by focusing on spaying and neutering from January to June 2025. This program, directed by the City Veterinary Office, will target stray animals located in various government facilities throughout the city.
The spaying and neutering efforts will cover several key areas, including the Angeles City Hall Compound, Pampang and San Nicolas Public Markets, Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center, all 57 public schools, rural health centers, Kanlungan ng Kabataan, barangay halls, the City Library, public cemeteries, Social Hygiene Clinic, and evacuation stations. The initiative is designed to curb the growing number of stray animals while ensuring their welfare.
“It has always been a priority program of this administration to focus on animal welfare,” Mayor Lazatin stated, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a balanced and healthy environment for both residents and animals. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of overpopulation of stray animals in public spaces.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, who is overseeing the program alongside Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, said the initiative is not only about protecting the animals but also ensuring public health and safety for Angeleños. The spaying and neutering process reduces the risk of animal-related diseases and helps manage the stray animal population, improving the quality of life for both pets and the community.
Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla, City Veterinary Officer-in-Charge, assured that his office is working on the scheduling of the spaying and neutering operations to ensure their smooth and effective implementation. This organized approach aims to avoid any disruptions while maximizing the impact of the program.
The city has been running a free spay and neuter program since 2020. To date, 5,973 pets—1,854 dogs and 4,119 cats—have benefited from the program. In 2024, the city surpassed its goal of 1,744 spayed or neutered pets, marking another successful year for this initiative without any incidents.
In addition to spaying and neutering, the city has also conducted widespread anti-rabies vaccination efforts. In 2024, over 130,000 pets, including 93,075 dogs and 37,445 cats, in the 33 barangays were vaccinated against rabies, further demonstrating the city’s dedication to both animal welfare and public health.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
