In the absence of a designated Park for dogs in the city of Baguio, dog owners bring their dogs to the park as part of their daily exercise, training, socialization, and interaction with humans and pets. Regular dog walks and daily exercise are some of the basic requirements for a dog to have a balanced life.

Recently, members of the Pines City Dog Lovers of the Highland North, a group of dog lovers and enthusiasts, including other dog owners with medium to large size dogs, have been banned/not allowed to walk their pets in major parks in Baguio, like Burnham Park and Mansion House. These groups tend to their own dogs when they bring them out for a walk.

Recently, some members of the Pines City Dog Lovers of the Highland North, a group of dog lovers and enthusiasts, including other dog owners with medium to large size dogs, have been banned/not allowed to walk their pets in major parks in Baguio, like Burnham Park and Mansion House. These groups tend to their own dogs when they bring them out for a walk. Working dog owners know the drill when their dogs are brought to public places, so the fear of dog bite is highly likely as these dogs are well trained and disciplined. Also, responsible dog owners know the temperament of their dogs, therefore, they know the Do’s and Don'ts when their dog is in public places.

THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 was enacted to protect and promote the welfare of all animals, including dogs.

It states…
 
“SECTION 6. It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horse fights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.”

That being said, it is the responsibility of the owner to provide adequate care and overall wellbeing of the dog, and that includes regular walks or exercise in order to have a balanced life. But how can an owner provide such a need for the dog if the best facilities are not provided, lest being banned at the parks?

Baguio City enacted City Ordinance 60, S. 2020 to implement rules and regulations regarding responsible pet ownership. There is no section in the ordinance banning or not allowing dogs in public parks. It only states that no pets are allowed in public places off-leash, should be properly manned by their owners and should bring their own poop bags. Such owners who will not comply with the provisions of the ordinance shall be penalized.

We, therefore, call on the City Environment and Parks Management Office of Baguio City, to allow All sizes of dogs to have their regular walks and exercise at the Baguio City parks.