Iloilo City’s animal shelter to partially shut down

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Pound and Animal Shelter (ICPAS) in Brgy. Calahunan, Mandurriao, will undergo a partial shutdown for major repairs or new construction, according to the City Veterinary Office (CVO).

City Veterinarian Dr. Fernando Abulencia said Friday, June 28, that the partial shutdown is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the renovation process.

The decision to temporarily suspend parts of ICPAS’ operations followed a dialogue on June 27 between the CVO, Mayor Jerry Treñas, and various animal welfare groups.

Abulencia mentioned that while ICPAS operations will continue, its impounding operations will be limited.

“Impounding operations will continue only in extreme or urgent situations, such as cases involving rabies suspects, to maintain public safety and animal welfare,” he said.

The CVO also introduced a revised visiting schedule, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. There will be no animal keeper on duty on Saturdays and Sundays, but feeders will care for the animals.

“The adoption of rehabilitated dogs at ICPAS will continue as part of our commitment to finding loving homes for these animals,” Abulencia added.

The CVO further noted that an ordinance on animal welfare is now on its final reading and approval.

Upon approval by the city council, a proposal to amend the Rabies Ordinance to incorporate Republic Act No. 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007) into a local ordinance will be submitted to the Animal Welfare Council for consideration.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas said that ICPAS, established in June 2022, does not have a regular budget, with its maintenance funds sourced from other allocations.

The 400-square-meter pound received a License to Operate from the Bureau of Animal Industry in March 2023, the first in the entire Visayas region.