Iloilo councilor pushes probe on ‘mercy killings’ of dogs; council snubs proposal

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ILOILO CITY—The city council here on Wednesday, August 3, rejected a proposal from one of their members to conduct a legislative inquiry into the recent “mercy” killings of 11 dogs by the city government in Barangay Navais, Mandurriao district.

No other member of the 14-strong body supported Councilor Plaridel Nava’s proposal to conduct a legislative inquiry into the killings.

“This is something that should not just be ignored, especially by the city council, because it is the city council that passed the regulation ordinance creating the Iloilo City Pound and for other related purposes,” he said in his privilege speech.

He likewise proposed an amendment to Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-065 or the city’s Dog Pound ordinance, which would provide for the required registration of domesticated pets, when a domesticated pet may be considered a stray animal, and disposal procedures for stray domesticated pets.

Interjecting when the bill was being read, he proposed the creation of a Committee on Animal Welfare within the local legislature, which the floor leader, Councilor Frances Parcon, said she would support when formally proposed.

Nava told reporters after the session that the snub on his resolution was likely because of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas’ interference.

He alleged that one councilor told him they wanted to support his resolution but could not do so because of “instructions from upstairs” pertaining to the mayor’s office on the 7th floor of the City Hall.

“I already anticipated that because when it comes to legislative hearings, [Treñas] objects. He wants to dictate the council so that his faults on the issues remain invisible,” Nava said.

Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna said it was a bit early for an investigation and suggested waiting for the results of the City Legal Office’s inquiry.

“To avoid redundancy, we believe that we shouldn’t have to go to an investigation. However, if and when the reports of the executive and its administrative investigation show deficiencies, that’s the time that we could enter,” said Cabaluna.

Treñas said that the City Legal Office had been actively investigating the killings of dogs, adding that he is expecting to receive a report within the week.

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