On October 15, 2024, the Angeles City Government was honored with the “Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter” award by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Field Office III. This prestigious recognition is the first of its kind for the city, achieved under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr. The award highlights the city’s commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, acknowledging the significant strides made in controlling the stray animal population and providing better care for pets.
A major factor contributing to this success is the city’s free spay and neuter program, which has seen remarkable results since its launch. This year, the program successfully exceeded its target, with 1,744 pets spayed or neutered, without any complications or untoward incidents. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of stray animals and prevent overpopulation, thereby ensuring a healthier environment for both animals and humans.
Since the program’s inception in 2020, a total of 5,973 pets have benefitted from free spaying and neutering. This includes 1,854 dogs and 4,119 cats, demonstrating the program’s far-reaching impact on controlling the pet population. The city has also provided essential services like anti-rabies vaccinations, with 130,520 pets—93,075 dogs and 37,445 cats—across the 33 barangays receiving this life-saving treatment.
Mayor Lazatin emphasized that these efforts are a testament to the city’s dedication to promoting responsible pet ownership. “Through our free programs, including spaying, neutering, and anti-rabies vaccinations, we aim to ensure the health and well-being of our pets and the community,” said the mayor. His administration continues to prioritize animal welfare as an essential part of public health and safety.
The program, which is spearheaded by the City Veterinary Office under Dr. Christian Arcilla, has been an effective strategy for animal birth control in Angeles City. By providing these services at no cost to residents, the city has managed to significantly reduce the number of unwanted animals, improve the quality of life for pets, and address the challenges posed by overpopulation.
In addition to the veterinary services, the initiative is supervised by two passionate animal advocates in the city—Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel. Both have long championed the cause of providing shelter and better care for stray animals, advocating for policies that promote the welfare of pets on a personal and professional level.
The recognition by the DA Field Office III underscores the effectiveness of Angeles City’s animal welfare programs and sets a positive example for other local government units to follow. As the city continues to lead in animal care initiatives, Mayor Lazatin and his team remain committed to ensuring that both pets and residents enjoy a safer and healthier environment.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
