MANILA, Philippines -- A German shepherd tied to a tree in a pet-friendly campus looks harmless as he sits calmly in the shade.
But when a child comes by and pets him, he ends up with a bite in the hand.
Bishop, a friendly Pit bull terrier, walks in a park full of people with his owner by his side. Every person he meets steers clear of his path although unknown to them, Bishop is a sweet natured dog who would never bite anyone.
However, the recent stories about dog fights, where Pit bulls are pitted against each other, have created a negative impression of the breed. As a result, instead of admiration, Bishop earns wary and fearful gazes from people in the park.
With more pet owners bringing their furry companions to public places, a safe and healthy interaction among humans and animals should always be observed, according to Joey Tiosayco, president of Lovepets.com, a pet welfare group.
Recently, the group and other dog walker clubs in Metro Manila signed a Unified Declaration on Policies toward Responsible Canine Public Exposure during the 1st Pack Leader Dog Walk Summit held in Pasig City.
The summit, organized by Lovepets.com (Love, Pets and Comradeship), was aimed at teaching pet owners to become more responsible and responsive to non-animal lovers in public places.
“In setting policies and provisions that must be adhered to by sectors involved, we can avoid accidents or untoward incidents involving humans and animals,” explained Tiosayco.
Even if pets are already allowed in some establishments in Metro Manila, “we (animal owners) must not go out of bounds,” he added.
Signs needed
So-called pet-friendly places don’t even have signs or reminders on how people should handle their animals in public, Tiosayco said.
Canine health is one of the top considerations written in the unified declaration. It states that “dogs that will be brought to public places must have rabies shots. They must be subjected to anti-tick, flea, and heart worm prevention measures.”
Owners whose bitches are in heat, show signs of sickness or have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are discouraged from taking them to enclosed spaces like restaurants and commercial areas where many people gather.
The declaration also holds humans responsible for their pets’ every act. They are encouraged to be more tolerant and understanding of people who are not dog or animal lovers.
Petting of dogs must also be done with strict supervision, especially when it involves canines who may not be feeling well or are still undergoing behavioral training.
It would be better if the dogs wear bite prevention gear or muzzles. Owners or handlers should also carry their animals’ vaccination records at all times, the declaration added.
The summit also served as a forum for government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to discuss issues on human-animal coexistence.
Dr. Angel Mateo, director on animal welfare of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, gave a brief talk on existing laws (Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8485 and Rabies Law of 2007 or RA 9482). He also discussed how an act can be considered a form of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of a pet owner.
On the other hand, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc.’s external affairs officer, Luis Buenaflor, discussed the implementation of these laws.
Dr. Rey del Napoles, a veterinarian and vice president of the Animal Welfare Coalition, reminded dog owners of the things they have to remember before taking their dog out in public, common canine diseases, as well as how to prevent transmission and proper protection and grooming.
Debunking the myth
Tiosayco was joined by Pit bull owner Mario Policarpio in debunking the myth about large breed canines. Tiosayco said that German shepherds and Pit bull terriers are the most maligned and misunderstood breeds because they are always perceived as “dangerous.”
Tiosayco explained, however, that “it is not the breed, but how the dogs are brought up by the owners.”
To prove his point, he presented Bishop and his owner, Jeff Ramos. He encouraged people to pet the dog who seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting.
Nearby, two German shepherds, under the supervision of their owners, played with children.
As more and more people take care of dogs and cats, their responsibilities do not end with feeding and giving the animals homes. They also have to ensure the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals.
The declaration, according to Tiosayco, will be presented to the government and the owners of establishments interested in opening their premises to pets.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
lst Dog Walk Summit tackles pet owners’ responsibilities
MANILA, Philippines -- A German shepherd tied to a tree in a pet-friendly campus looks harmless as he sits calmly in the shade.
But when a child comes by and pets him, he ends up with a bite in the hand.
Bishop, a friendly Pit bull terrier, walks in a park full of people with his owner by his side. Every person he meets steers clear of his path although unknown to them, Bishop is a sweet natured dog who would never bite anyone.
However, the recent stories about dog fights, where Pit bulls are pitted against each other, have created a negative impression of the breed. As a result, instead of admiration, Bishop earns wary and fearful gazes from people in the park.
With more pet owners bringing their furry companions to public places, a safe and healthy interaction among humans and animals should always be observed, according to Joey Tiosayco, president of Lovepets.com, a pet welfare group.
Recently, the group and other dog walker clubs in Metro Manila signed a Unified Declaration on Policies toward Responsible Canine Public Exposure during the 1st Pack Leader Dog Walk Summit held in Pasig City.
The summit, organized by Lovepets.com (Love, Pets and Comradeship), was aimed at teaching pet owners to become more responsible and responsive to non-animal lovers in public places.
“In setting policies and provisions that must be adhered to by sectors involved, we can avoid accidents or untoward incidents involving humans and animals,” explained Tiosayco.
Even if pets are already allowed in some establishments in Metro Manila, “we (animal owners) must not go out of bounds,” he added.
Signs needed
So-called pet-friendly places don’t even have signs or reminders on how people should handle their animals in public, Tiosayco said.
Canine health is one of the top considerations written in the unified declaration. It states that “dogs that will be brought to public places must have rabies shots. They must be subjected to anti-tick, flea, and heart worm prevention measures.”
Owners whose bitches are in heat, show signs of sickness or have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are discouraged from taking them to enclosed spaces like restaurants and commercial areas where many people gather.
The declaration also holds humans responsible for their pets’ every act. They are encouraged to be more tolerant and understanding of people who are not dog or animal lovers.
Petting of dogs must also be done with strict supervision, especially when it involves canines who may not be feeling well or are still undergoing behavioral training.
It would be better if the dogs wear bite prevention gear or muzzles. Owners or handlers should also carry their animals’ vaccination records at all times, the declaration added.
The summit also served as a forum for government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to discuss issues on human-animal coexistence.
Dr. Angel Mateo, director on animal welfare of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, gave a brief talk on existing laws (Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8485 and Rabies Law of 2007 or RA 9482). He also discussed how an act can be considered a form of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of a pet owner.
On the other hand, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc.’s external affairs officer, Luis Buenaflor, discussed the implementation of these laws.
Dr. Rey del Napoles, a veterinarian and vice president of the Animal Welfare Coalition, reminded dog owners of the things they have to remember before taking their dog out in public, common canine diseases, as well as how to prevent transmission and proper protection and grooming.
Debunking the myth
Tiosayco was joined by Pit bull owner Mario Policarpio in debunking the myth about large breed canines. Tiosayco said that German shepherds and Pit bull terriers are the most maligned and misunderstood breeds because they are always perceived as “dangerous.”
Tiosayco explained, however, that “it is not the breed, but how the dogs are brought up by the owners.”
To prove his point, he presented Bishop and his owner, Jeff Ramos. He encouraged people to pet the dog who seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting.
Nearby, two German shepherds, under the supervision of their owners, played with children.
As more and more people take care of dogs and cats, their responsibilities do not end with feeding and giving the animals homes. They also have to ensure the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals.
The declaration, according to Tiosayco, will be presented to the government and the owners of establishments interested in opening their premises to pets.
But when a child comes by and pets him, he ends up with a bite in the hand.
Bishop, a friendly Pit bull terrier, walks in a park full of people with his owner by his side. Every person he meets steers clear of his path although unknown to them, Bishop is a sweet natured dog who would never bite anyone.
However, the recent stories about dog fights, where Pit bulls are pitted against each other, have created a negative impression of the breed. As a result, instead of admiration, Bishop earns wary and fearful gazes from people in the park.
With more pet owners bringing their furry companions to public places, a safe and healthy interaction among humans and animals should always be observed, according to Joey Tiosayco, president of Lovepets.com, a pet welfare group.
Recently, the group and other dog walker clubs in Metro Manila signed a Unified Declaration on Policies toward Responsible Canine Public Exposure during the 1st Pack Leader Dog Walk Summit held in Pasig City.
The summit, organized by Lovepets.com (Love, Pets and Comradeship), was aimed at teaching pet owners to become more responsible and responsive to non-animal lovers in public places.
“In setting policies and provisions that must be adhered to by sectors involved, we can avoid accidents or untoward incidents involving humans and animals,” explained Tiosayco.
Even if pets are already allowed in some establishments in Metro Manila, “we (animal owners) must not go out of bounds,” he added.
Signs needed
So-called pet-friendly places don’t even have signs or reminders on how people should handle their animals in public, Tiosayco said.
Canine health is one of the top considerations written in the unified declaration. It states that “dogs that will be brought to public places must have rabies shots. They must be subjected to anti-tick, flea, and heart worm prevention measures.”
Owners whose bitches are in heat, show signs of sickness or have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are discouraged from taking them to enclosed spaces like restaurants and commercial areas where many people gather.
The declaration also holds humans responsible for their pets’ every act. They are encouraged to be more tolerant and understanding of people who are not dog or animal lovers.
Petting of dogs must also be done with strict supervision, especially when it involves canines who may not be feeling well or are still undergoing behavioral training.
It would be better if the dogs wear bite prevention gear or muzzles. Owners or handlers should also carry their animals’ vaccination records at all times, the declaration added.
The summit also served as a forum for government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to discuss issues on human-animal coexistence.
Dr. Angel Mateo, director on animal welfare of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, gave a brief talk on existing laws (Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8485 and Rabies Law of 2007 or RA 9482). He also discussed how an act can be considered a form of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of a pet owner.
On the other hand, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc.’s external affairs officer, Luis Buenaflor, discussed the implementation of these laws.
Dr. Rey del Napoles, a veterinarian and vice president of the Animal Welfare Coalition, reminded dog owners of the things they have to remember before taking their dog out in public, common canine diseases, as well as how to prevent transmission and proper protection and grooming.
Debunking the myth
Tiosayco was joined by Pit bull owner Mario Policarpio in debunking the myth about large breed canines. Tiosayco said that German shepherds and Pit bull terriers are the most maligned and misunderstood breeds because they are always perceived as “dangerous.”
Tiosayco explained, however, that “it is not the breed, but how the dogs are brought up by the owners.”
To prove his point, he presented Bishop and his owner, Jeff Ramos. He encouraged people to pet the dog who seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting.
Nearby, two German shepherds, under the supervision of their owners, played with children.
As more and more people take care of dogs and cats, their responsibilities do not end with feeding and giving the animals homes. They also have to ensure the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals.
The declaration, according to Tiosayco, will be presented to the government and the owners of establishments interested in opening their premises to pets.
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