The City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) of the City of San Fernando has reminded the public to help protect wildlife.
This, after residents of Barangay Dolores successfully rescued a wildlife animal in one of the subdivisions in the village.
The 12-foot long reticulated python, which age approximately ranges from two to three years, was caught in a trap set at a swampy compound in AMHSCO, VHR Subdivision. It was believed to be preying on the livestock or farm animals of the compound’s owner.
City Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Paul Manlapaz lauded the individuals who showed concern for the animal when they properly handled and turned-over the wild animal to proper authorities.
Manlapaz explained that though the area may seem to be ideal for the python because it can feed on farm animals, it was not suitable for its sustainable growth.
Thus, Manlapaz still urged the public to adopt the practice of wildlife protection by turning wild animals over to authorities as wildlife conservation laws mandated.
Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act states that any person who performs an unlawful activity of collecting, hunting, and possessing of wildlife animals violates the law and has a corresponding penalty of imprisonment.
“Mayroon tayong sinusundang batas sa pagbibigay-proteksyon sa wildlife kung saan isinasaad na pinagbabawalan ang lahat nang indibidwal na sadyang patayin o sirain ang wildlife resources at ang kanilang habitat, at, sinasaad din nito na may awtorisadong mga tao na hahawak ng mga ganitong kaso,” said Manlapaz.
Though the python sustained minimal wounds and scratches on its skin, Manlapaz still commended the actions of the residents for safely recovering the animal, which, according to him, served as a call to the public to report to them any illegal activity that exploits wildlife resources.
Antonio Librando, 56 years old, was one of the men who turned-over the animal.
A caretaker of the compound where the python was caught, Librando said that his team was aware of the law on protecting wild animals even if these pose threats to other animals.
“Binigyan po namin ng proteksyon yung python dahil alam naming may batas na bawal ang patayin o saktan siya. Yung malilit na sugat po ay hindi naiwasan habang hinuhuli namin siya pero ginawa po namin itong ligtas hangga’t maaari,” Librando said.
Following acceptance of the rescued python, CAVO immediately turned over the wildlife to the Pampanga Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office for the animal’s possible transfer to its suitable habitat.