UPLB finds balance between campus safety and animal care
The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has withdrawn an internal memo that instructed security personnel to stop feeding or sheltering stray animals on campus, following public concerns over its impact on animal welfare.
UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Atty. Eric Paul Peralta announced the revocation of the memo after it circulated online and sparked discussions among students, animal advocates, and members of the university community.
In a statement posted on Facebook Thursday night, Peralta explained that the directive was issued in response to reported safety concerns involving stray animals, including incidents of a stray dog biting a member of the UPLB community, individuals being chased by stray dogs, and a student sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident after a stray animal crossed the road.
He said these incidents highlighted the need for security personnel to immediately report potential hazards, coordinate appropriate responses, and help prevent similar situations from happening.
However, Peralta clarified that the memo was not intended to promote hostility toward stray animals or discourage compassion among members of the university community.
UPLB, he said, does not condone animal cruelty, and security personnel remain expected to handle stray animals through humane and lawful means.
“Nevertheless, in recognition of the concerns raised and the need for a more comprehensive and balanced approach, OVCCA has decided to REVOKE the said internal memorandum,” Peralta said.
The university emphasized that withdrawing the memo does not mean setting aside its responsibility to ensure campus safety. Instead, UPLB said it will use the opportunity to develop clearer guidelines that consider the welfare of animals while addressing concerns from students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Moving forward, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs is exploring more sustainable solutions, including possible partnerships with animal welfare organizations for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs.
The university is also coordinating with the Municipal Government of Los Baños to provide security personnel with training on humane stray management. Discussions have also begun with student groups, including CATS OF UPLB, to strengthen collaboration on responsible animal care initiatives.
“Protecting people does not mean abandoning compassion for animals. We believe UPLB can, and must, do both,” Peralta said.