PVeterinarian Brigit Piok Tuesday described the sorry plight of the dogs that are sold illegally for distribution to restaurants in the Cordilleras that specialize in serving dog meat dishes.

These dogs, she added, are being transported from various provinces, including Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

This developed as Melchor Alipio, the country's representative to the Political Animal Lobby, an international organization that safeguards animal rights, reported that of the 79 charged for the violation of Republic Act 8485 or the animal welfare act, 59 have already been convicted.

"All the dogs that are being intercepted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during their operations are turned over to the city dog pound.

"The general health condition of the dogs is pitiful. Most of them suffer from mange (galis aso), distemper or internal parasites," Piok said in Tuesday's Kapihan sa Benguet at Kalapaw restaurant.

Piok said that most of these dogs were bound tightly around the legs with straws or even wires. Cans are used to bind the dogs' mouths. She added that the dogs also suffer from suffocation due to the cramped space into which they are placed in. "This shows how cruel people can treat animals."

According to the veterinarian, most dogs succumb to respiratory and digestive diseases. "The dogs that die are buried in a lot provided by the Department of Agriculture. To be able to prevent any further contamination, like the infestation of flies in the area, these dogs are first sprinkled with lime."

The CVO and its staff are caring for those dogs that survive. They nurse these dogs back to health and are given up for adoption. "So far, there are 36 dogs that have already found new homes."

Piok said that to be able to adopt a dog from the pound, you have to present a barangay clearance specifying that you have the means to feed and shelter the dog.

"We have to make sure that whenever we give up a dog for adoption, the dog would be taken in a home that will really care for it. Also a fee will be paid for the vaccination of the dog," Piok added.

Meanwhile, Alipio said that although efforts to nab violators of RA 8485 have been fruitful so far, the act would still have to be modified to be able to really enforce its provisions.

"For one, it is not specified in the law if those who are caught buying these dogs are also liable to face charges of violating the act. Only those who are caught selling are the ones being charged," he lamented.

He added that on the average, 250 dogs are being sold in the region everyday. "These dogs are being bought by dog traders in the lowlands at P50 to P70 and they sell these dogs in the highlands for P500 to P600 each."

Alipio also clarified that their group is only supporting the act and not implementing it. "The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is the lead government agency in the implementation of this act."

The CIDG-CAR, during its last operation on April, was able to rescue 68 dogs from possible slaughter. The dogs according to an earlier report said that they were transported from Laguna and Batangas.

CIDG personnel were able to intercept the vehicle transporting the dogs along Lamtang Road. The canines were supposed to be delivered to Comiles, a restaurant in La Trinidad, Benguet, famous for its dog meat dishes.

courtesy of Sun Star Baguio
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