The Angeles City Dog Pound and Animal Shelter has been recognized by Bataan Animal Welfare for its no-kill policy and outstanding programs in animal welfare, reflecting the city government’s commitment to the humane care, protection, and adoption of stray animals.
“Sa dami ng naglalabasang videos at posts tungkol sa mga dog pound na nagiging dagdag problema pa sa animal welfare, nakakapagpasaya makita na may mga LGU na tunay na may puso. Ang Angeles City No-Kill Dog Pound ay isang magandang halimbawa ng isang government office na may malasakit, respeto, at pangangalaga para sa mga strays,” Bataan Animal Welfare said. “Isang paalala na kapag may tamang sistema at tamang puso, hindi kailangang may mamatay para lang masabing may solusyon.”
The facility was established in July 2023 under the leadership of then-Mayor, now Pampanga First District Representative, Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, with P10 million in funding. Designed with a 103-animal capacity, the shelter provides proper care and ensures the prevention of cruelty or maltreatment.
Congressman Lazatin’s office commended former Angeles City Veterinary Officer-in-Charge Dr. Christian Arcilla and his team for transforming the shelter into a model of responsible animal care.
The shelter holds a certificate from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) valid until 2027, giving the city government authority to monitor backyard breeders and uphold animal welfare. Lazatin’s Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, along with then Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Dr. Arcilla, and the late City Engineer Donato Dizon, worked to secure the certification since 2019. The Angeles City Dog Pound remains the only no-kill pound in Pampanga and the second in Central Luzon operating with BAI certification.
During Lazatin’s tenure as Mayor, the city’s free spaying and neutering program benefited 5,973 pets—1,854 dogs and 4,119 cats—while 130,520 animals—93,075 dogs and 37,445 cats—across 33 barangays received free anti-rabies vaccinations. The city also pioneered house-to-house vaccination campaigns, city-wide rescue operations, free veterinary check-ups, promotion of “Adopt Don’t Shop,” and modernization of slaughterhouse facilities with humane and national meat inspection accreditation.
In 2024, Angeles City was recognized for its animal welfare advocacy, receiving the Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter Award from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Field Office III.
The recognition from Bataan Animal Welfare highlights that with proper systems and genuine care, local government units can implement humane and sustainable solutions for animal welfare without resorting to culling.
