A NEW ordinance in Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati, prohibiting the feeding of stray animals in public spaces has drawn criticism online, with netizens calling the move “cruel” and “heartless.”
The ordinance bars residents and visitors from feeding stray dogs and cats in streets, sidewalks, parks and other public areas. Violators may be fined P1,000, while business establishments could face cancellation of their barangay clearance for repeated offenses.
Barangay officials say the measure aims to maintain cleanliness and public order, noting that unregulated feeding attracts vermin, spreads disease, and leaves food waste. The barangay cited its ongoing partnership with CARA Welfare Philippines for a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) program, which has treated about 3,000 cats, but said stray populations continue to grow because of “irresponsible feeding.”
However, many online users said the policy punishes the animals rather than addressing root causes.
“Sana may mag-question ng legality nito. May Animal Welfare Act. Bawal pakainin sila? That is tantamount to killing the animals,” one commenter wrote.
“Heartless sino man kayo,” another said, while others called the ordinance “inhumane.”
Some pointed out that private individuals have been spending their own money to feed strays, especially in urban areas. “Yung iba nga naglalabas ng pera kahit hindi mayaman para lang pakainin sila. Ngayon bawal na?” a user said.
Others questioned why the barangay did not expand its TNVR program instead. “Ayusin muna nila ‘yung pag-kapon para hindi dumami. Hindi kasalanan ng animals bakit sila nasa kalye,” one comment read.
As of this writing, the barangay has yet to release a statement responding to the backlash.
