LC urges all brgys to register animal raisers

 

Laoag councilor Justine Chua presents his measure urging all barangays in the city to establish a registry of animal raisers, which was later unanimously approved by all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present during the said session. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter

Laoag City—For more effective supervision and control of animal population, the city government of Laoag has urged all barangays in the city to establish their respective registration of animal raisers.

Laoag councilor Justine Clarence Chua said the measure aims to conduct an annual animal inventory of all pets, livestock, and poultry production to the Office of City Veterinarian.

Chua, who sponsored the measure, said this is in connection with Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates all Local Government Unit (LGUs) to provide agricultural extension and veterinary services, which include livestock and poultry dispersal, demonstration farms, and the enforcement of laws on animal health and welfare.

Likewise, Republic Act No. 9842 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, mandates LGU’s to implement a comprehensive rabies prevention and control programs which includes mass vaccination of dogs, registration of pet ownership, and monitoring of pet populations.

Chua said accurate and updated data on animal population, including pets and livestock/poultry production is essential for the Office of the City Veterinarian to plan and implement programs that address the needs of livestock raisers and pet owners.

He added that the conduct of an annual animal population inventory will serve as the official record of barangay level livestock and pet populations, providing the necessary basis to justify requests for programs, interventions, and assistance as well as enabling effective monitoring livestock production, vaccination coverage, and animal welfare practices.

The data will facilitate the registration of livestock/poultry raisers through the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) which ensures that all producers and animal keepers, whether commercial or small hold, are properly recognized and included as beneficiaries of government support, thereby protecting their livelihoods and promoting responsible animal ownership.

Chua also said that the registration of stock raisers and animal inventory is essential for effective supervision and control of animal population, particularly in the event of an animal disease outbreak and calamity, enabling immediate identification, containment, and mitigation measures to protect public health and the livestock and poultry industries.

The registration and annual inventory of livestock and poultry are recognized as “best practices” in animal production management, serving as vital requirements for farmers and stock raisers to avail of government programs such as livestock and poultry dispersal, livelihood support, financial assistance in case of animal disease outbreak, during calamities and application for insurance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).