Public urged: Don’t buy pups from street vendors

Following reports of the resurgence of street puppy vendors, the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has issued a public advisory, urging people not to buy puppies sold on sidewalks.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo and Caeccent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL

Officials warn that these animals may come from unvaccinated mothers and could be rabies carriers. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Dr. Alice Utlang of the DVMF used her personal social media page to raise the alarm, specifically mentioning the sale of puppies on Colon Street.

In an interview, Dr. Utlang explained that this warning follows a past case in which a puppy bought from a public street in Cebu City was later found to be a carrier of rabies.

She noted the importance of vigilance, especially since the origins of these puppies are often unknown.

“Nya ang mama ana (dogs) wa mabakunado so may tendency ang puppies ang nagdala sa rabbies,” said Utlang.

Dr. Utlang also emphasized that these sales violate the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the sale of underage puppies and mandates that all such sales be conducted through registered pet shops. Selling puppies too soon after birth, she said, can compromise their health and well-being.

She further stressed that puppies sold through legitimate pet shops should be vaccinated not only against rabies but also against other diseases.