ANGELES CITY – Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin filed on Nov. 4 a bill requiring pet crematoriums operating or intending to operate in municipalities and cities to secure accreditation from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry.
To be known as the “Pet Crematorium Accreditation Act,” House Bill No. 11784
states that no city or municipality shall issue or renew the business permit of a pet crematorium unless the applicant presents proof of valid DA-BAI accreditation, along with all other permits, clearances, registration, and authorizations required under applicable national and local laws.
“Pets are not just domesticated animals. They become part of the family and beloved by their owners, and it is just right that they are accorded proper burial or cremation services when they pass away,” Lazatin said.
HB 11784 comes in the wake of disturbing news that the remains of 23 dogs and three cats – were found dumped inside garbage bags in a vacant lot.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the 29 animals were originally handed over to a pet crematorium operating in Bacoor, Cavite, to be cremated by the establishment.
“Each life matters, and these pets deserve dignity, even in death,” said Lazatin, a staunch advocate of animal rights.
Only last month, Lazatin’s office provided legal assistance to Leah Ibuna of Noah’s Ark Dog and Cat Shelter in filing a complaint against the alleged perpetrator of an incident of animal cruelty that occurred in a private college in Angeles City on Oct. 5, where a man allegedly beat a stray dog to death.
As of October 7, Ibuna, accompanied by witnesses, has formally filed a complaint before the Office of the Prosecutor of Angeles City relative to the alleged violation of the Animal Welfare Act arising from the incident.
Back in March, Lazatin also filed House Bill no. 8710, which seeks 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,” HB 8710 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.
During Lazatin’s time as 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 Oct. 15, 2024, the shelter received the Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter award from the 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. Team Lazatin Media