Animal welfare, sanitation groups inspect pet cemetery in Tondo

The animal graveyard at the compound of the Manila City Veterinary Office in Tondo, Manila is being investigated after residents near the area have complained about its foul odor.

According to a 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman on Thursday, residents of Barangay 101 have repeatedly filed complaints about the dumping of dead cats and dogs in the area.

"Marami na. Meron kaming mga blotter tungkol sa amoy amoy na 'yan," said Kagawad Reynaldo Dimaano.

The residents have complained about the foul odor emanating from the site.

"Dahil po sa amoy, sobrang sakit sa tiyan, panay suka," one resident told GMA News.

The Baguio Animal Welfare Group and the Department of Agriculture's Animal Health and Welfare Division inspected the place.

"Maaamoy pa natin 'yung baho, amoy siya ng mga decaying animals. It may be possible na 'yung mga dina-dump, matagal ng patay," said Norman Marquez of the Baguio Animal Welfare Group.

After the disposal pit of the city's veterinary office was closed last year, the present site serves as the graveyard for stray animals.

Authorities ensured that they have been properly disposing animal carcass.

"Pinahuhukay talaga namin sa backhoe at sinisiguro naman namin na wala talagang magiging amoy," said Dr. Hector Dimaculangan, assistant chief of the city's veterinary office.

An ocular inspection was also conducted at the Manila city pound.

Dr. Amando Antonio, Science research specialist of the DA's Animal Health and Welfare Division said, "Sabi nga po kanina (the facility) is substandard. Ang standard natin is one dog per cage, may ibang cages po na marami nang dogs sa isang cage. According sa law kunyari sa isang cage po, there should only be three cats in one cage."

"Nagput up po kami ng ganyan lang, temporary (set-up) pero isinasaalang-alang din namin 'yung animal welfare," he added.

The report said the issue was already raised to Manila Sanitation and an investigation is being done as regards to the issue. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News