Iloilo City dog pound assures safety of animals amid mismanagement call out

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Pound and Animal Shelter (ICPAS) said abandoned dogs, cats, and stray animals in their facility are receiving sufficient care and attention following complaints about alleged negligent management.

In a statement released publicly on Tuesday, ICPAS noted that the city-owned animal shelter is facing issues of overcrowding.

“We acknowledge the current overcrowding issue, with approximately 75 dogs residing in our facility,” said the facility’s management.

ICPSI stressed that the increased impounding activities in the animal facility were prompted by the city’s recent hosting of the National Bike Day, Christmas tree lightings in plazas, and activities slated for Dinagyang 2024.

The three confirmed human rabies deaths have also emphasized the need for proactive stray dog management, according to the ICPAS.

It further clarified that the non-separation of healthy dogs from emaciated ones is a temporary arrangement due to limited space, with plans to relocate them to an additional shelter soon to prevent the potential spread of diseases.

The management of the city-owned animal shelter has proposed an additional animal shelter beside Lanit Tree Park.

ICPAS also denied the allegations that the abandoned animals in their facility are given spoiled foods.

“Despite receiving food scraps as donations from restaurants, ICPAS implements strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of the dogs,” it explained.

It emphasized that food scraps undergo segregation in which non-edible items like plastics and shells are removed before processing, and the food scraps are mixed with donated commercial dog food.

“Spoiled food is identified, separated, and disposed of properly at the Material Recovery Facility,” it added.

The shelter emphasizes that all animals, including those arriving in distressed conditions, are promptly attended to upon reaching the facility.

Immediate measures include the administration of rabies vaccinations, mange treatment, and provision of multivitamins. Regular baths and cleaning routines are also implemented to ensure the overall health of the animals.

ICPAS management also pointed out that proper coordination and prior arrangement have to be made with the staff before visitors can take pictures or videos of the facility and the animals.

“Photos and videos can be misused or misrepresented, negatively impacting the shelter’s image and the adoption process,” it said.

It furthered that unconsented filming of the animals in the facility can trigger unnecessary excitement and stress to the animals, potentially leading to aggression or escape attempts.

“The ICPAS is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for all animals in our care. We are constantly working to improve our facilities, practices, and procedures,” the ICPAS added.

Team Rescue Iloilo recently called out the ICPAS, pointing out that many dogs have been neglected, left with untreated illnesses and fed with spoiled food.

“Wala na kabalo si Mayor so please, Mayor. Calling Mayor Jerry Treñas please, tan-awon tani ang dog pound subong kay indi gid nami,” said Marivic Lai of Team Rescue Iloilo.