ANGELES City—The Angeles City government has inaugurated a newly constructed city pound and animal shelter here to house rescued pets.
Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. led its opening rites, with Vice Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting, councilor Arvin Suller, chief adviser IC Calaguas, executive assistant Reina Manuel, city veterinarian Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla, and city engineer Donato Dizon in attendance.
The newly-built animal shelter was accredited by the Bureau of Animal Industry, granted on May 2023 — a first in the history of Angeles City and a first in Pampanga province.
The 103-capacity animal facility, which is located at the City Hall compound, will provide all the needs of the housed animals, including food, check-ups, vitamins and medicines, anti-rabies vaccinations, and spaying and neutering.
Lazatin said among his top priorities is to ensure the welfare of the animals in the city, by giving them the best and proper care and importance as well keeping them safe.
“Matagal na po nating pangarap ito para sa siyudad. We are happy that we have finally made it possible,” Lazatin said.
Calaguas and Manuel, both known animal lovers, will supervise the operation of the newest animal shelter with Dr. Arcilla.
“Sa pagbubukas po ng ating bagong dog pound and animal shelter, mas masisiguro po natin na mas marami tayong hayop na matutulungan at maaalagaan,” Calaguas shared.
For her part, Manuel is encouraging her kababayans to adopt rescued animals, and do not shop.
“Adopt, don’t shop! Let us give our rescued fur-babies their fur-ever home,” Manuel said.
Dr. Arcilla further said that queries for adoption and animal welfare programs will be entertained via walk-in or schedule, or through their official Facebook page, Angeles City Veterinary Office.
Dr. Arcilla also thanked the administration of Mayor Lazatin for putting animal welfare on top of his priority projects.