NEWSFLASH

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MARIKINA CONSTRUCTS PUBLIC PET CEMETERY

Marikina, Nov. 9, 1997 - Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando is building the first ever public pet cemetery in the Philippines, in an effort to stop the dumping of dead animals in garbage bins and public places.

The Marikina city council has approved the ordinance for the construction of the pet cemetery at the Marikina River Park in Barangay de la Pena. Councilor Robert Ponce, principal author of the measure, said not all animal lovers bury their dead pets; others, he said, merely throw the dead animals in the streets, leave them on sidewalks or the Marikina River.

"Decaying animals are a health nuisance, a repugnant sight and cause obnoxious odors when decomposing," Ponce said.

The council also provided the initial fund of P50,000 for the construction of the cemetery, which shall be under the supervision of the city health officer.