A reconsideration of the ban on pets in the Rio de Oro Boulevard was floated in the 20th City Council but a member of the technical working group assigned to the structure has reservations on the proposal.
In an interview, Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy said they have yet to be convinced that the pet owners would be responsible enough to look after their pets should they be allowed to bring them in the Rio de Oro Boulevard, part of a flood control structure built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for Cagayan de Oro City.
“The Rio de Oro Boulevard won’t be closed to pets forever but the TWG (must be convinced) that pet owners are responsible enough to look after their pets whenever they go to the boulevard such as always keeping them on a leash and having them wear diapers (to prevent defecation),” Atty. Uy said in Visayan.
Uy said this in response to a special report delivered by Councilor Malvern Esparcia calling for reconsideration to allow the presence of pets in Rio de Oro Boulevard.
The boulevard is being used as a venue for recreational activities and City Hall programs such as the forthcoming fireworks display for the forthcoming Chinese New Year 2024 celebration.
“In fairness to our responsible pet owners who clean up after themselves, (we should reconsider). Just like how the malls are dealing with pet owners. We could require the pet owners to ensure that they keep their pets on a leash and we could assign designated garbage disposal stations. We won’t even have to use the whole boulevard,” Esparcia said.
Esparcia proposed that parts of the boulevard to be dubbed as ‘pet-friendly zones’ can be assigned for these pet owners and their pets ‘to roam freely’ so long as boundaries are set.
“We should set up clear signages (designating these areas). (We ask the TWG) to reconsider,” Esparcia said. Existing guidelines on the use of the Rio de Boulevard prohibit the presence of pets in the Rio de Oro Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez agreed, saying that pet owners consider their pets as ‘part of the family.’
Still, Uy said pet owners shouldn’t rely too much on the city government to clean up after their pets.
“We received complaints from joggers who said they (were chased by dogs)…the pet owners should be responsible enough (to do their part in ensuring that the boulevard is clean),” Uy said in Visayan. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)
