St Bernard handlers using dogs for pictorials warned

By Jessa Mardy Samidan

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office warned owners and handlers of St. Bernard dogs being used for pictorials for a fee at parks and tourist spots here after validation of complaints on health and welfare of the canines including inspection of permits.
    A social media post in 2018 regarding the sorry state of several St. Bernard dogs used for pictorials in city parks and tourist spots was recirculated online prompting the CVAO to conduct validation and monitoring Nov. 7.
    A team led by veterinarians Dr. Wilson Malingan and Dr. Hyden Luma-ang visited Wright Park and found one dog on display during the inspection – although usually, there were two to three more dogs on display during tourism peak season.
    The dog was provided with shade, chair, food and water while being displayed 8 a.m. to 12 noon.     While the dog appeared healthy, the owner could not provide vaccination records of the dog nor any business/special permit on site.
    At The Mansion, one dog was seen being used for pictorials but usually there were five handlers with different dogs being rotated at the spot according to the CVAO team.
    During inspection at The Mansion, the dog was found apparently healthy but also without vaccination cards or permits presented.
    The dog owner provided shade, chair, food and water for the pet.
    In Mines View, only one of 12 dogs being used for pictorials was seen during the inspection.
    The CVAO team said dogs were rotated every four hours for the spot.
    While the Securities and Exchange Commission registration of Mines View St. Bernard Dog Pictorial Association Inc., was displayed on site, city veterinarians reported there were no vaccination cards or special permit presented.
    At Lion’s Head, Kennon Road, a 9-year old dog was seen on site for pictorials.
    Similar to the other dogs in Wright Park, The Mansion and Mines View, the dog handlers could not provide vaccination cards nor permits.
    CityVeterinary and Agriculture officer Silardo Bested told dog owners and handles their responsibilities saying a special permit from the City Business Permits and Licensing Division was required for use dogs as source of livelihood through pictorials.