An Assessment of the Perceived Implementation of the Stray Dog Control Ordinance in the Municipality of Sibulan

This study assessed the perceived implementation of the Stray Dog Control Ordinance and examined its relationship with stray dog–related road accidents and dog bite incidence in the Municipality of Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Using a descriptive–correlational design, data were collected from 120 residents through a validated researcher-made questionnaire, supported by secondary municipal records. The instrument evaluated four key dimensions of implementation: enforcement, impounding, registration and vaccination awareness, and public awareness. Statistical tools included mean, standard deviation, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that the overall level of ordinance implementation was low across all dimensions, indicating weak, inconsistent, and insufficient operational practices. Despite the presence of the ordinance, both stray dog–related road accidents and dog bite incidents were reported as frequent, highlighting persistent public safety and health risks in the community. Correlation analysis showed that registration and vaccination awareness, along with public awareness, had significant negative relationships with road accidents, suggesting that increased awareness contributes to reduced risk. In contrast, impounding and registration and vaccination awareness were significantly associated with lower dog bite incidence. However, enforcement demonstrated no significant relationship with either outcome, implying limited effectiveness in its current state. These results suggest that preventive and awareness-driven strategies play a more immediate and measurable role in mitigating risks compared to weakly implemented enforcement measures. The study concludes that improving awareness, vaccination, and registration efforts can significantly reduce incidents, while enforcement requires strengthening to enhance overall ordinance effectiveness. It is recommended that local authorities intensify public education campaigns, expand vaccination and registration programs, and improve impounding operations to ensure better implementation and promote safer, healthier communities.