1-7-2023 (MANILA) A bill has been filed by Congressman Edwin Olivarez from Parañaque City, Philippines, that would make it mandatory for shopping malls in urbanized cities across the country to have dog stations where owners can safely leave their dogs while they visit the mall.
In House Bill 7108, Rep. Olivarez emphasizes that pet dogs are increasingly considered part of Filipino families, and it is important to implement measures to protect their welfare, especially for canines.
The lawmaker points out that while Filipinos enjoy spending time at shopping malls, these establishments lack facilities for dogs, making it inconvenient for pet owners to bring their beloved animals along.
According to the bill, shopping malls would be required to provide a designated area that can temporarily accommodate and ensure the well-being of domesticated dogs while their owners engage in shopping activities within the mall premises.
Rep. Olivarez highlights that the Philippines stands out as the country with the highest number of dog owners in East Asia, with six times the per-capita number of pets compared to China, the largest country in the region.
“There are close to nine million households across the country that own at least one dog,” he added.
The proposed bill states, “If pet dogs are considered man’s best friend or even a member of the family, we should allow their owners to have the option of bringing them to the malls instead of leaving them at home.”
