Stray dogs, cats banned in prisons

MANILA, Philippines — Saying it is a public safety measure to prevent the spread of rabies, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has prohibited stray dogs and cats in prisons nationwide.

“This is for public safety as well as for the control and prevention of the spread and eventual eradication of animal rabies in the community,” the bureau said in a post on Facebook.

“This is part of the preventive measures to protect K9 units posted at the gates from ticks and fleas,” it added.

BuCor has ordered its personnel to coordinate and seek assistance from the Mandaluyong city veterinary office to rescue and impound stray dogs and cats in the New Bilibid Prison.

The NBP reminded its personnel and their dependents living in the reservation to ensure that their pets are leashed and to have them vaccinated against rabies.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said P10 million has been allotted under this year’s budget of the bureau for the acquisition of more K9 units to be deployed to various prisons and penal farms.