Pets may soon be required to wear diapers in Baguio City's business establishments

The proposed ordinance requiring pet owners to have their pets wear diapers before entering establishments in the city drew variety of comments among residents.

Some gave the ordinance a thumbs up agreeing that it would be of help.

‘Since a lot of pet owners, like car drivers, have no idea what it means (to) be considerate to your fellow countrymen, it's best to have sanctions like in Singapore,’ says George Lockingra.

Meanwhile, other residents want the ordinance to be applied not just to establishments but also to other places like parks and streets.

No to pet diapers

On the other hand, pet owners are protesting saying diapers are merely additional waste and that diapers especially for large breeds are not yet available.

‘Additional waste lang ang diaper, also hindi readily available ang pet diaper especially for large breeds. Kawawa kaming responsible pet owners with trained dogs. Paano yung service dog? Mandate the clean up your pet's waste. Dapat pwede i-report sa barangay ang owner na nagpapa-poop ng aso and hindi nililinis. Kung magma-mandate ng diaper for pets, dapat may diaper changing station din for pets,’ Claire Sy said.

The Public Information Office-Baguio reported that the City Council already approved the first reading of the ordinance and will be referred to the appropriate committee for study and recommendation on whether the same will be passed on second and third readings based on the internal rules and procedures of the council.

Once approved, establishments that opt to avail of the provisions of the ordinance to post signs in their entrances stating that ‘pet diapers are required in this establishment’ or other similar statements to inform their clients on the said matter.

Penalties under the pet diaper ordinance

According to the council, if for some reason, the pet diaper may have been dislodged, removed by the pet, without the pet owner noticing or any other reason that did not prevent the pet from urinating or excreting thereat, P500 may be charged by the establishment from the owner for urinating and P1,000 for excretion.

The mandatory wearing of pet diapers which could be imposed by the city shall be part of its ongoing advocacy for responsible pet ownership so that pet owners will be compelled to ensure that they also practice good hygiene for their pets that go with them.

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