Dear friends of the animals,

• DA Secretary Alcala’s email address: spja_osec@yahoo.com
• Dr. Carlos’ email address: etcarlosdvm@gmail.com

By Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

In city and municipal pounds across the country, they are and have been using a horrifying method of putting down unclaimed and unwanted dogs.

Just recently, the Department of Agriculture enacted an Administrative Order which allows for the inhumane “tambucho-gassing method” of dogs (and even cats).

The procedure starts with seven to ten dogs manhandled and stuffed in a metal box that they seal. The dogs as one can imagine howl and wail in panic and fear, scratching the walls of the box, and each other. A hose is connected from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe (tambucho) to the metal box. The vehicle revs its engine continuously for 10 to 15 minutes, emitting poisonous fumes, sending the dogs to a maddening frenzy, whimpering and howling, feeling every bit of pain possible.

Then… silence. Death.

A monthly average of 200 unclaimed stray dogs are put to death in city pounds across the Philippines. Multiply that average by the number of Philippine cities of 138, and you would have 27,600 that need to be euthanized every month. The tambucho killing method is currently being done on a weekly basis in some provinces with the use of improvised gas chambers. Some of these allow the gas to leak, making it a longer, more painful torture. Sometimes, the dogs are in the metal box, crying for help for an hour.

It’s upsetting how the Committee on Animal Welfare (CAW) allowed for the inclusion of “tambucho killing” in the Administrative Order (AO) on Euthanasia of Animals which was approved by the Department of Agriculture last June. The AO states that this is an accepted and legal method of euthanasia.

Organizations like Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) and The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), among others, have been vehemently objecting to the inclusion of gassing throughout the deliberations of the CAW up to the public hearing in May 2009. They continue to fight and are urging the public to join them.

Euthanasia means “good death.” Where is the good in this? Is it good because it costs less and it augurs well for the city or municipality”s budget?

The main rationale for the government would condone this cruel way of putting down animals is economic reasons. They gauge that it would only take P5 to put down a dog by way of tambucho gassing. As opposed to injecting sodium pentobarbital (or Euthal) by well-trained and caring personnel which is the preferred method for providing the most humane death for dogs and cats. They just get numb and go to sleep according to veterinarians. The injection of barbiturates is also included in the said AO on Euthanasia of Animals, but because it costs about P150 (before wholesale, before bargains, before tax exemptions, before government support) per dog, they would rather employ the cheaper option. Where is the good in this?

What’s needed is for Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to retract the approval of the AO on Euthanasia of Animals which includes tambucho gassing as a legal method of killing animals.

Other countries have similar but a lot more sophisticated means of putting down animals. In Japan and the US, for example, according to Luis Benaflor of the AKF, they have a chamber that even looks like an operating room for humans, where they use carbon monoxide (CO) in cylinders which is odorless, tasteless and colorless, although their method already draws a lot of controversy. But because CO is not available in the Philippines, we resort to the more barbaric, painful, cruel version.

More than that, this method adds to the woes of our environment. Imagine the greenhouse gas emissions of these vehicles that will be revved for at least 10 minutes per murder session, multiply that by the number of times they have to perform it in a week, times the number of dog pounds across the country. Has anyone really considered the carbon footprint this will leave behind?

“If we need to put a dog to death because he cannot be cared for, the least we can do is send him off as painlessly and as humanely as possible,” said Anna Cabrera, PAWS program director.

“Death by tambucho is not a humane death and should not be included among the legal euthanasia methods in an Administrative Order under The Animal Welfare Act or Republic Act 8485 — a law which was created to protect animals from suffering and cruelty just because it’s a more economical choice,” added Nancy Cu-Unjieng of CARA.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Calling on President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. This is no “wang-wang” or “tong” but it surely does have a greater effect on the moral fiber of our nation.

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A 10-year sportscasting veteran, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon is the first and only female basketball anchor in the Philippines covering the PBA and the PBL. She’s worked the sidelines as a courtside reporter since 2002, but her trade has also allowed her to cover the Olympic Games, Asian Games and South East Asian Games doing commentary for swimming, diving, beach and indoor volleyball, gymnastics, equestrian, judo, wushu, karate, taekwondo, cycling and other disciplines. She shares her thoughts, insights, experience and other privileged information as an insider, a fan, and a wannabe athlete and adventure seeker with Yahoo! Philippines. You can e-mail her at patricia_thescore@yahoo.com

Source

Information came from the fliers of PAWS working hand in hand with Master Foods Phils., Inc, the makers of Pedigree & Whiskas.

Dogs Can Be Friendly, and Dogs Can Bite!

The friendship of a dog can be wonderful for children’s emotional and physical health. But children are most at risk for dog bite injury.

According to the Public Health office of the San Lazaro Hospital, a total of 6815 cases of dog bite were reported to their office, in the last quarter of 2001. That’s 75 dog-biting incidents a day – and covers only parts of Metro Manila.

The Bite Free (Iwas Kagat) Program aims to reduce the incidence of dog bite injury – by encouraging responsible dog guardianship and by teaching children safe behaviour around dogs.

While no prevention program is 100% successful, teaching children how to approach or retreat safely from a dog, and which situation to avoid, will give them greater confidence and safety in handling encounters with dogs. It can make life more enjoyable for dogs too!

How to Meet a Dog Safely

1. Never run up to any dog, you might frighten them.
2. Ask your parent or adult with you, if you can pet the dog.
3. Ask the person holding the dog if you can pet the dog.
4. Ask the dog if you can pet him. Stand beside the dog, extend a fist and allow him to sniff your closed hand. Move slowly and speak softly. Quick movements and loud noises can scare a dog.
5. Pet the dog, starting under his chin and then you can move your hand up on top of his head.
6. Always remember, NEVER RUN AWAY FROM A DOG. No matter how gentle they are, they will want to chase you.

(source: pbrc.net)

How to Act Around A Stray Dog

Things to Remember with Dogs (and all Animals)

• Ask Permission before petting someone else’s dog
• Leave mother animals and their young alone.
• Do not try to pet dogs that are tied up, sleeping, eating, behind fences, or in vehicles.
• Do not pull their ears or tails.
• Do not grab their food, bones, or toys.
• Do not try to stop fights. Call an adult for help.
• Always act kindly and gently. Animals have feelings too.
• Leave wild animals alone.
• Report the details of injured, stray and threatening animals to adults who will call the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) or animal control authorities.

Why do Dogs Bite?

The vast majority of dogs are safe, reliable companions but even a friendly dog may bite if threatened, angry, afraid, or hurt. Some dogs can be described as dangerous-bred, or trained to be aggressive, with predatory instincts that may case them to chase and attack a fleeing child.

Dogs Protect Things, Places and PEOPLE

Just as humans do, dogs protect things they care about, whether it be food, their puppies or their favorite toys. They are also protective of spaces – their own and their guardians’. Eating and sleeping areas, yards, porches, and parked cards are all commonly defended by dogs. A child reaching through a fence or arriving unannounced at the door can turn a neighbor’s warm loyal pet in to a growling, aggressive protector.

Other reasons dogs may bite

• Cornering, crowding, or standing over a dog, particularly a small one, may make it feel defensive. Children should stand back and never put their faces close to a dog’s mouth. The face is the most common site of serious dog bite injuries.
• Stray dogs are in danger and maybe dangerous. Any dog that is loose may be lost, frightened or injured – and more likely to bite.
• Sick or injured dogs may be afraid or irritable and should be avoided by children.
• Elderly dogs may have impaired vision or hearing which can cause them to be more easily startled.
• Some dogs are inadequately socialized. Dogs living with and around children need to be able to tolerate degree of rough treatment without resorting to biting. Choose your dog carefully and discourage even play biting by puppies, to avoid problems later.
• Most dog bites injuries occur during play. A dog that is excited or nervous can bite by mistake. Children should be taught not to play fight, tease, yell, or chase dogs or other animals.
• Dogs can feel left out, especially when a new baby or pet joins the household. Give a dog extra love and attention at these times.

Guardian’s Responsibilities: Selection, Socialization, Spay/Neuter, Care & Control

1. Under the law, owners can be held liable for their dog’s action – including dog bites. You can reduce the likelihood of your dog biting someone by observing these points:
2. Do not let your dog run loose. Provide a fenced run and leash your dog when you go for a walk. Avoid having young children walk dogs they cannot control.
3. When you meet children while out for a walk, be sure they approach your dog properly. This ensures their safety as well as protecting your dogs.
4. Socialize and train your dog. Puppies from pet shops may not have received the socialization they need to be well adjusted, particularly if they are from puppy mills.
5. Choose your dog carefully. Pups should be evaluated in light of the parent dog’s behavior.
6. Ensure that your dog is vaccinated annually for rabies and other communicable diseases. If your barangay has an existing regulation for dog registration, have your dog registered. This will help in identification, should your dog get lost or is impounded.
7. Do not leave babies or very young children alone with a dog.

Feel free to share this with your friends who are planning to adopt a dog, or already have dogs The more people know about their responsibility – not just to dogs but to animals in general, the better for everyone in this planet.