Oton gives 214 pets free spay, castration services

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — A total of 214 dogs and cats received free spay and castration services in Oton on Sept. 9 as part of the municipality’s activities marking World Rabies Day 2026.

The activity was conducted by the Municipal Agriculture and Cooperative Office (MACO) in partnership with the Biyaya Animal Care Foundation and the Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office at the Oton Command Center.

Of the animals served, 103 were cats, comprising 51 castrated males and 52 spayed females.

Among the dogs, 111 received services, including 55 castrated males and 56 spayed females.

The activity forms part of the municipality’s efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, manage the population of dogs and cats, and support animal welfare and broader rabies prevention initiatives.

The Oton activity was the latest leg of the Biyaya Animal Care Foundation’s Biyayanihan Spay and Neuter Caravan in Iloilo, which has reached eight municipalities in the province.

The municipalities are Lemery, Ajuy, Banate, Cabatuan, Anilao, Pavia, Zarraga, and Oton.

The program aims to reduce unwanted litters and the population of stray animals while promoting responsible pet ownership.

World Rabies Day is observed annually on Sept. 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention, with the 2026 observance carrying the theme “Stronger Together.”

The initiative also complements Iloilo province’s goal of becoming rabies-free by 2030 through sustained collaboration among local governments, veterinary teams, animal welfare groups, and pet owners.