FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. wants to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act through the establishment of ‘No-Kill’ Animal Shelters and Public Veterinary Offices in all cities and municipalities in the country.
To be known as the “Public Veterinary Clinics and Animal Shelter Development Act,” House Bill No. 8710, which was filed by Lazatin on March 19, 2026, calls for the establishment of local animal shelters and/or pound facilities in every city and municipality that shall implement a strict ‘no-kill’ policy for animals in its care.
Rescued animals that remain unclaimed by their owners at the shelter shall be made available for adoption or rehoming, subject to screening standards to be determined by the local veterinary office and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Likewise, HB No. 8710 also mandates the establishment of public veterinary clinics in every city and municipality, which shall be duly-registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and issued a Certificate of Registration prior to operation, in accordance with R.A. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by R.A. 10631.
The Public Veterinary Office shall provide essential free or low-cost services, which may include consultation, treatment of minor illnesses or injuries, vaccination support, and spay/neuter (kapon) services, subject to guidelines to be issued by the BAI.
Lazatin has been known to staunchly advocate for animal welfare programs and policies throughout his years in public service.
During Lazatin’s time as Angeles City Mayor, the Angeles City LGU established the first-ever BAI-accredited ‘no-kill’ animal shelter in the Province of Pampanga.
The 103-capacity Angeles City Animal Shelter received its BAI accreditation in May 2023 and was formally opened on July 18, 2023.
On October 15, 2024, the shelter received the Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter award from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Field Office III.
Through the City Veterinary Office, the Angeles City LGU carried out a free spaying/neutering and anti-rabies vaccination program, with some 5,973 pets spayed/neutered and 130,520 pets vaccinated.
