Pet haven, memorial park, animal welfare desks proposed in Cebu City

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Pet owners and animal welfare advocates in Cebu City could soon see dedicated police desks for animal-related complaints, a shelter for abandoned and abused animals, and even a memorial park for deceased pets under three proposed ordinances set to be discussed by the council.

The measures, all authored by Councilor Phillip Zafra, form part of the agenda for the City Council’s regular session on Tuesday, June 23.

If approved, the proposed ordinances would establish animal welfare desks in police stations, create a Cebu City Pet Haven for rescued and abandoned animals, and provide for the establishment of a Cebu City Pet Memorial Park.

READ: Animal welfare program gets inaugural P10-M for 2026 — Pangilinan

Animal welfare desks in police stations

One of the proposals seeks to establish an Animal Welfare Desk in every police station in Cebu City.

Under the draft ordinance, each desk would serve as the primary receiving unit for complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, illegal slaughter, and wildlife trafficking.

The proposed desks would also document cases, coordinate urgent interventions with the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), maintain records of complaints, and display signs informing residents that animal welfare cases may be reported at police stations.

The measure would also provide for the designation of animal welfare officers by the Cebu City Police Office. Preference would be given to personnel who have undergone training or seminars on animal welfare laws.

If approved, the Animal Welfare Desk would be empowered to receive and act on complaints, preserve evidence, facilitate rescue operations, and coordinate with agencies such as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and DVMF.

The ordinance also proposes that cases involving animals facing imminent danger be acted upon within 24 hours.

Proposed city pet haven

Another measure seeks to establish the Cebu City Pet Haven, which would function as an animal shelter and sanctuary for abused, abandoned, injured, and elderly pets.

According to the draft ordinance, the facility would provide veterinary care, behavioral training, rehabilitation, and socialization programs aimed at preparing animals for adoption into responsible homes.

The proposed shelter would also serve as a venue for promoting responsible pet ownership and raising awareness on animal welfare.

READ: Pet cemetery in Cebu City: Animals deserve dignity, says Mayor Archival

Under the measure, no Pet Haven may be established or expanded without undergoing technical review and securing favorable recommendations from the City Health Department, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, and zoning authorities.

The proposal also allows the City Council to conduct public hearings and stakeholder consultations before approving any permit or authorization.

Unclaimed animals may eventually be placed for adoption, subject to the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act and its implementing rules.

Before being released to adopters, the animals would first be neutered by a licensed veterinarian and issued adoption certificates by the DVMF.

Animals that die during the impoundment period would be handled according to veterinary and health procedures.

Meanwhile, abandoned animals exhibiting symptoms of communicable diseases would be euthanized in accordance with existing national guidelines.

Violations of the ordinance could carry penalties ranging from a ₱2,000 fine or 30 days imprisonment for a first offense to a ₱5,000 fine or up to 90 days imprisonment for third and subsequent offenses.

Memorial park for pets proposed

A separate ordinance seeks to establish the Cebu City Pet Memorial Park, which would provide burial grounds for pets and include a park where owners and their animals may engage in leisure activities.

The proposal cites the increasing demand among pet owners for dignified memorial spaces for their deceased companions.

Under the draft measure, the memorial park would provide a safe and sanitary facility for the interment of animal remains while also functioning as a recreational area for pets and their owners.

Only animal remains would be allowed to be buried inside the facility.

The ordinance expressly prohibits the burial of human remains, hazardous materials, medical waste, and other non-animal matter.

Like the proposed Pet Haven, the memorial park would be subject to technical reviews and zoning requirements before any permit or authorization is issued.

The implementing rules would also establish schedules of fees, classifications of graves, lease periods, and regulations governing interment.

Violations could likewise be punishable by fines ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 or imprisonment ranging from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the number of offenses.

Should the proposed ordinances eventually gain approval, they would take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

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