Philippines
Questions Remain Over Alleged Dog Clearances Ahead Of IRONMAN Event
There are questions being raised regarding the way stray dogs are treated in Lapu-Lapu City just before the IRONMAN 70.3 event on 9 August.
A local animal welfare organisation alleges that in the past, dogs have been seized before the city’s preparation for the race and states that previous clearance operations have led to animals being killed, it adds that its concerns go back to 2012, when volunteers managed to rescue over 70 dogs which were said to have been taken from the streets at the time of the event.
The Lapu-Lapu City Government and the people in charge of the event have denied that dogs have been killed either under the present administration or in connection with this years race. Yet no current figures have been made available indicating how many dogs have recently been taken into the municipal pound or what has become of them.
Dog Desk Animal Action has asked both the city and the event organiser for their current intake & release, adoption, transfer and euthanasia records. The Philippines is still included on our Global Stray Dog Crisis Map Watchlist and any developments before and after 9 August will be kept under observation.
The Bahamas
Government Announces Dog Licensing Amnesty And Enforcement Campaign
The government of the Bahamas is currently making preparations to improve the enforcement of its animal control laws in the light of ongoing worries regarding stray dogs, irresponsible ownership and attacks.
In August a public information campaign is going to start, along with a forgiveness scheme which will let owners of unlicensed dogs get the annual licence they are required to have. The Department of Agriculture is at the same time working in cooperation with the Animal Protection and Control Board to boost its enforcement capabilities.
Better licensing would enable owners to be more easily identified, help to reunite lost dogs with their families and allow people to be held responsible in cases where animals are abandoned or left to roam. But in order for the number of unowned dogs to be reduced in a sustainable way, enforcement must be coupled with accessible sterilisation, vaccination and humane population management programmes.
Poland
President Signs Law Banning The Tethering Of Dogs And Cats
The president of Poland has approved an amendment to the Animal Protection Act which bans keeping dogs and cats tethered at home.
According to the new law animals have to be kept in a house in a securely enclosed area or in an appropriate outdoor pen. Dogs that are kept in outdoor enclosures must get daily exercise and kennels will need to satisfy minimum standards in relation to space, insulation, ventilation and protection from adverse weather.
Temporary restraint will continue to be allowed during walking, transport, veterinary treatment, training and at animal shows, as well as whenever an animal poses an immediate danger.
The law will come into force twelve months after it is published in Poland’s official journal and breaches could result in heavy fines, whereas in cases of extreme cruelty imprisonment may result.
A reform has now been introduced after an earlier attempt to ban tethering was rejected in 2025 due to disagreements regarding the proposed kennel requirements. This new law marks a significant advance in the aim of putting an end to the long term isolation and suffering to animals that are kept permanently on chains.
Australia
Nearly 9,000 Animal Cruelty Reports Recorded In Victoria
New figures indicate that Victorias inspectors received 8,965 reports concerning animal cruelty in the 2025–26 financial year.
About 60,000 animals were involved and more reports concerning dogs than any other species were received. 2,225 animals were seized or handed over to the inspectors, which was a 19% increase compared with the previous year.
The data also shows the complex link between animal suffering and various wider human crises, with cases being connected to domestic violence, drug use, financial difficulty, mental health problems and a deliberate intention to harm. It is reported that over 300 animals were taken from situations where the owners were affected by drugs, and about 260 were linked to domestic violence or threats of harm.
There were thirty four animal cruelty cases brought to a close during the year. The figures support the demand for modernised legislation, adequate funding for enforcement, and earlier assistance for animals residing in households that are affected by violence or crisis.
Australia
Woman Charged After 119 Animals Found At Queensland Property
A woman has been accused of serious animal cruelty following the police’s evaluation of the welfare of 119 animals at a rural property in Tara, Queensland.
On 24 July the police went to the property and stated that they had found 32 dogs, 16 cats, 18 goats, 38 chickens, six budgies, three quails, one parrot, one dove, three guinea pigs and a pet rat.
The officers gave immediate help and organised further support for the animals, a woman aged 48 was later charged with one count of serious animal cruelty and is due to appear at the Magistrates Court on 20 August.
United States
Dozens Of Dogs And Exotic Animals Removed From Unsafe Home
When police carried out a search warrant in Connecticut they discovered animals in unsafe living conditions and as a result the authorities from the state removed 52 of them from the property.
The animals consisted of about 34 dogs, 17 exotic birds and a capuchin monkey which was said to be being kept illegally. This monkey was handed over to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and at the same time the animal control officers and various other local agencies got involved in arranging suitable care for the other animals.
Two people have been accused of committing animal cruelty and of illegally possessing the monkey. The charges have not yet been tried in court.
United States
South Carolina City Considers Banning Dogs From Public Parks
Officials in Seneca, South Carolina, are currently looking into a broad animal control plan which would ban dogs from a number of city owned parks, playgrounds, sports grounds and recreational facilities, even if they are on a lead.
The only exceptions would be the city’s designated dog park and some activities that have been approved. The proposal would also limit the presence of animals at events taking place in the central business district. According to reports, the first time someone committed a violation would result in a warning, but if the offence was repeated a fine of up to $500 or even a custodial sentence might be imposed.
People argue that the changes would have the effect of improving public safety and of enhancing the city’s capacity to deal with irresponsible dog ownership. Yet the proposed general restrictions also lead to questions as to whether specific lead requirements together with focused enforcement could guard the public without excluding dogs that are being responsibly controlled and their families from shared public areas.
The measures are still only proposals and have not yet been adopted.
End of Bulletin