PETITION: CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, COMPASSION, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT IN TALISAY CITY, CEBU PROVINCE

We, concerned citizens of Talisay City-Cebu, animal welfare advocates and supporters from all over the Philippines, strongly protest the ongoing indiscriminate capture and euthanasia of stray dogs conducted by the Talisay City Pound under the City Veterinary Office.

While we understand the City’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and order, particularly in preparation for public events such as fiestas and fun runs, we believe that these actions must not come at the cost of cruelty and disregard for the law.

Under Republic Act 8485, as amended by RA 10631 (The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines), the killing of animals is strictly regulated and may only be allowed under specific, humane, and legally qualified circumstances, such as to prevent incurable suffering or control disease — not as a matter of convenience or appearance.

It has also been reported that dogs caught by the pound are either killed outright or dumped in Barangay Tapul — some already dead, others still alive but left to die slowly of hunger, thirst, and disease. Such acts constitute not only cruelty but also a grave violation of the Animal Welfare Act and of basic moral decency.

We therefore call on the Talisay City Government of Cebu and the City Veterinary Office to:

1.     Suspend all indiscriminate stray catching and euthanasia activities pending review of current procedures.

2.     Disclose the number and fate of impounded animals, and make the pound operations transparent to the public.

3.     Ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, including proper holding periods, humane treatment, free spay/neuter program and the right of citizens and rescue groups to reclaim, rehabilitate, or adopt impounded animals.

4.     Establish the Talisay City Animal Welfare Council (TCAWC) — composed not only of government officials but also real animal advocates, NGOs, and concerned citizens — to oversee and co-manage animal welfare programs, ensure humane stray management, and promote free spay/neuter program and education campaigns.

We, the undersigned, believe that a compassionate city is a progressive city. Let Talisay be a model of humane governance — where cleanliness and order are pursued with kindness, transparency, and respect for life.

✍️ Sign this petition to call for justice, accountability, and compassion for our Talisay City’s voiceless animals.

Disclaimer:
This petition is made in good faith for the promotion of public awareness, humane governance, and the proper implementation of the Animal Welfare Act. It is not intended to malign any individual, office, or institution, but to encourage dialogue, transparency, and reform for the welfare of animals and the betterment of our community.