Proposed Manila ordinance provides for cremation of pets

MANILA, Philippines—Would you like to keep the ashes of your dead horse, dog, cat or bird?

A Manila councilor has filed a bill that would allow the cremation of animals in the city crematorium as a response to the clamor of pet owners and animal rights group for proper burial of dead animals.

Councilor Rodolfo Lacsamana previously coordinated with the Manila North Cemetery and South Cemetery but both said there was no available space for  pet burial grounds. In a letter, the Manila North Cemetery officer in charge said an alternative would be to offer cremation for pets.

Lacsamana thus filed Draft Ordinance No. 7376 that seeks to “allow cremation of these animals that we the residents hold dear and want to eternally remember in case of their passing. The death of an endeared pet [always has] an emotional touch.”

The measure provides for the cremation of “carcasses of horses that have been treasured like jewels by successful and pot-bellied racing aficionados or pet animals like prized breeds of canine or expensive felines and rare birds.”

The pet owners will have to shoulder the cost— P500 for above a kilogram, P1,000 for more than 25 kg, P1,750 for beyond 50 kg and P3,500 for higher than 100 kg — of cremation.