The Problem 7

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

This chapter presents the background of the study, conceptual/theoretical

framework, objectives of the study, the definition of terms, and the review of

related literature.

Introduction

This part presents the background of the study about the dangers brought by

astray animals as a result of road traffic accidents which are one of the leading

causes of injury and mortality globally. According to the World Health

Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents kill an estimated 1.3 million people

per year around the world. In addition, between 20 and 50 million individuals are

injured in non-fatal ways, with many of them becoming disabled as a result of

their injuries, there are several factors of road traffic accidents one is the danger

posed by astray animals that endangers the lives of both humans and animals

(World Health organization,2022).

In India, astray animals are the second-leading cause of accidents, barring

Kolkata, according to a recent analysis of road crashes across six megacities by

a general insurance company. In six cities, "other drivers" accounted for the

majority of traffic accidents. Dogs were involved in over 58% of animal-related

accidents, with cattle (25.4%) coming in second. These data are quite in contrast

to the reasons for crashes that the government’s road accident reports show,

which are prepared based on police First Information Reports (FIRs). The 1.27

lakh claims submitted by car owners to the insurance company between January
 The Problem 8
and June of this year comprise the sample size for the first ACKO Accident

Index, which was announced on Friday. This index provides information on the

causes of traffic accidents as well as the regions in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata,

Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru that are most prone to accidents. In addition

to "other drivers" and animals, the research lists potholes, rash driving, and

intoxicated driving as the other three major causes of collisions. Astray animals

were the fifth factor in road accidents in Kolkata. According to the report, Chennai

had the highest percentage of these accidents, more than 3%. The percentage

was 2% for Bengaluru and Delhi, respectively. The statistics indicate that out of

the 1,376 claims for animal-related incidents, 804 included dogs, and 350

involved cattle. "While we frequently attribute accidents to substandard roads, the

report demonstrates otherwise. If tried-and-true countermeasures are used, road

accidents and the deaths that go along with them can be predicted and

prevented. This Index is merely a helping hand for our policy-makers and

administrators, allowing them to implement measures across India's most

accident-prone areas that will further help regulate the traffic and significantly

reduce accidents, according to Animesh Das, senior director (Motor

Underwriting) at ACKO general insurance. (Dash, 2022)

In a developing country like the Philippines, with a growing number of

vehicles and road networks, the World health Organization Published that in

2020, The Deaths in Road Traffic Accidents in the Philippines reached 13,017.

and One of the several factors of road traffic accidents is the dangers posed by

astray animals continue to be one of the least acknowledged issues harming

 The Problem 9
both people, properties, and animals. The Department of Health tags road

accidents as one of the leading causes of death among children, overpowering

other deadly diseases, including dengue. In fact, in Metro Manila alone, about

two children die daily due to road accidents. In relation to that, according to the

car accidents Philippines report from the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and

Analysis System, there are 394 fatalities (both adults and children) due to road-

related accidents in the Metro. This is somewhat lower than the 2017 data, which

is a good thing. In totality, there are 14,553 road accident deaths and injuries

involving passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. This gives us an average of 40

individuals per day. (Kim, 2022).

Astray animals in our country roam the streets and present a continual

hazard to motorists in both rural and urban settings. The two-wheelers are most

at risk, due to the design of the two-wheel vehicles its mostly certain that the rider

and the pillion passenger would hit the ground due to the direct impact on the

astray animals or in a case of imbalance when the rider tries to avoid the astray

animals. In the City of Baguio, February 10, 2021, during its regular meeting on

Monday, the City Council passed a draft ordinance codifying existing dog laws

and making certain changes to the city's Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance

on the third and final reading. The duties of dog owners, according to local

legislators, are limited to acquiring and maintaining dogs only if they are capable

of providing the care required to meet the needs of the animal; submitting their

dogs for mandatory registration and routine vaccination, and maintaining updated

records; providing dogs with grooming, adequate food, and clean shelter;
 The Problem 10
maintaining control of their dog with the use of lace when in public places; and

taking all preventative measures. Report any dog bite incidence, take the

necessary precautions, help dog bite victims, and pay for any medical costs

associated with the victim's injuries. The council assigned the CVAO the

responsibility of keeping an updated database of all the necessary information,

which must, among other things, include the name, address, phone number,

email address, and other crucial details about the registered dog owner; the

name, breed, sex, and other important details about the registered dog; the date

of rabies and expiration; the vaccine used; and the name of the veterinarian. The

law states that it is forbidden for a dog's owner or keeper to let the animal roam

freely outside of their home's grounds and that any dog discovered outside of

those grounds must be restrained by a lace, other devices, or person in order to

avoid being deemed a astray dog and put down by any authorized personnel.

The council said that a driver who accidentally runs over a dog in any public

street, including subdivision roads, shall not be held liable for any damages

caused to the dog. (See, 2021)

In Malasiqui, Pangasinan, a motorbike rider who avoided a dog on the road

died in a crash. A father and son managed to avoid hitting a dog with their

speeding motorbike, but they unfortunately crashed and one of them lost his life

in the process. Local police said Nelson Furio, 41, married, a painter, of

Barangay Balagan, Binmaley, Pangasinan, died in the 0hospital. His son, 21-

year-old Jasp1er John Furio, the driver of the vehicle, was injured in the accident.

Probers said the victims were on board their brand-new black Suzuki Raider
 The Problem 11
motorcycle at 7:45 p.m. when an astray dog suddenly appeared and crossed the

road along Barangay Calbueg. The animal wasn’t run over, but the Furious

crashed as they avoided it. The fatality, Nelson, was the back-rider at that time.

The two were taken to Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City where

the father was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. The younger

Furiosustained injuries on the different parts of his body. (Iñigo, 2019)

In Tabuk City, Kalinga, there are road traffic accidents involving astray

animals that were reported by news websites and/or posted on social media just

like when a rider collided with a cow along the FF-Cruz Road, and in the

websites of Guru Press cordillera there are several reports where astray animals

have caused injuries and death just like on July 3, 2021, when a male rider who

hit an astray dog along the provincial road in Laya East died due to serious head

injury and only on the Thursday morning of august 25, 2022 a woman died after

a motorcycle she was on, after their motorcycle hits a astray dog along the

national road in Barangay Lucog. Motorcycle riders are indeed at the most risk,

reports have shown that the common astray animal here in Tabuk city Kalinga

are dogs, and a head-on collision or imbalance of a motorcycle after trying to

avoid them would cause damage to property, injuries, or death. (Lo-oy, 2021)

In these cases, the researchers decided to conduct this study due to rampant

accidents caused by stray animals in the City of Tabuk. This was reported and

published on Facebook specifically on a Group named “Kalinga '' which has over

102,000 members. In which the netizens decry the irresponsible way of handling
 The Problem 12
the domesticated animals of some of our fellow residents in Tabuk City Kalinga.

That when those said animals will be unattended and will roam around the

highway it would likely cause accidents and would probably lead to death,

injuries, and damage to properties. The researcher also wants to point out the

outdated way of deterring irresponsible pet and animal owners due to the light

penalties and ineffective way of identifying the owner of the astray animal that is

involved in any vehicular accidents on the highway of Tabuk City Kalinga. This

research will also benefit the community since a policy making will be proposed

in order to address the problem about astray animals.

This study will benefit the following agencies/groups: City Veterinary and

Agriculture Office (CVAO). The Act aims to protect and promote the welfare of

all terrestrial, aquatic, and marine animals in the Philippines by supervising and

regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding,

maintaining, keeping, treating, or training all animals either as objects of trade or

as household pets. For the purpose of this Act, pet animals shall include birds.

Criminology Professor/Instructor. This study will help them in their future

discussion related to this topic. It can also be used as a reference for creating

awareness on the part of its students about astray animals causing road traffic

accidents.

Criminology Students. The findings of the study will help them in their future

research which is related to this topic. It will also help them to become

knowledgeable about astray animals in vehicular accidents. Community. As a

 The Problem 13
society that needs help in times of accidents due to astray animals, the result of

this study will create awareness on the part of the people. Future Researchers.

This study would benefit future researchers by using this as a reference for their

study of related fields and will serve as a basis for future studies regarding the

effects of astray animals in vehicular accidents.

Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

This study is inclined to identify and determine the dangers brought by

astray animals in vehicular traffic accidents in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga. Astray

animals are any domesticated animal such as dogs, cattle, poultry, rabbits,

horses, goats, carabaos, cows, cats, and the like without being accompanied by

an owner or tamer at loose or elsewhere wandering in public places within the

city.

Over recent years, the world has witnessed an uproar of campaigns to

promote responsible pet ownership. This notwithstanding, cruelty and neglect are

still part of the reality for many pet animals seemingly on account of a lack of

understanding as to what makes a responsible pet owner. Under the law, a

responsible pet owner, or what some people refer to as a “pet parent,” has two

main responsibilities. First, pet owners are mandated to provide their pets with

adequate care and sustenance. Second, pet owners are vicariously liable for the

damage and harm caused by their pets. The key to being a responsible pet

owner is to be mindful of these concepts, especially because the cruel treatment

of animals is punished as an offense.

 The Problem 14
In the Provisions of RA 9482 SEC. 9. Impounding Field Control and

Disposition of Unregistered, Astray and Unvaccinated Dogs. - Unregistered,

Astray, or unvaccinated Dogs shall be put in Dog Pounds and disposed of, taking

into consideration the following guidelines:

(1) Unregistered, Astray, or unvaccinated Dogs shall be impounded and

kept in the LGU’s designated Dog Pound.

(2) Impounded Dogs not claimed after three days from the Dog Pound

shall be placed for adoption to qualified persons, with the assistance of an animal

welfare NGO, when feasible, or otherwise disposed of in any manner authorized,

subject to the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as

the "Animal Welfare Act of 1998".

(3) A fee shall be paid by Owners of Impounded Dogs to the LGU

concerned, under Section 7 hereof.

City ordinance No. 4 series of 2009, or the ‘Rabies and Astray Dog

Control Ordinance Base of the City of Tabuk’ states that owners must at all times

maintain control of their dogs and not allow them to roam the streets unleashed

and without their supervision.

They are also obliged to ensure that their pets are properly groomed, and

provided with adequate food and clean shelter.

As part of this study, the hereunder research paradigm is presented which

consists of the input, process, output, and the expected outcome of this study.

The input consists of the objectives of this study, the process consists of the
 The Problem 15
method of data collection, the output consists of what actions are taken to

resolve the problems encountered, and the expected outcome of this study.

Objectives of the Study

The study generally aims to look into the vehicular accidents due to astray

animals in Tabuk City, Kalinga. Specifically, it sought to answer the following

specific objectives of the study which: (a) To determine the dangers brought by

the astray animals on the highway of Tabuk City, Kalinga; (b) Mapping of traffic

accident areas in Tabuk City, Kalinga; and (c) To propose action plan which

would lessen or eliminate vehicular accidents caused by astray animals.

Paradigm of the Study

This figure indicates the input, process and the output in which the inputs

are the objectives that the researchers will work on to determine the dangers

brought by the astray animals on the highway of Tabuk City through the process

using collection of data through survey, Focal Group Discussion (FGD), and

interview that can be used to propose an action plan that would address the

vehicular accident that motorist encounters due to the astray animals on the

highway of Tabuk city Kalinga.

Input Process Output

Objectives Method of Data The action plan that can be

Collection: proposed to address the
1. To determine the
vehicular accidents
dangers brought Through the survey,
encountered by motorists
by the astray Focal Group
due to astray animals on the
animals on the Discussion (FGD), and
highway of Tabuk City,
highway of interview.
Kalinga.
Tabuk City.
 The Problem 16
2. Mapping of traffic
accident areas in
Tabuk City,
Kalinga.
3. To recommend
possible
solutions that
would decrease
or eliminate
vehicular
accidents that
are caused by
astray animals.

Definition of terms

The following terms are defined conceptually and operationally to

understand the main focus of the study. For better clarity and understanding of

the study, the following terms are conceptually and operationally defined.

Accidents. As used in this study, this term refers to an unfortunate

incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in

damage or injury.

Animal Wandering. As used in this study, this term refers to an act of

animals moving from one place to another without going in a particular direction.

Animals. As used in this study, this term refers to a living creature other

than humans such as dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, cows, carabao, horses, etc.

Astray Animals. As used in this study, this term refers to an animal that

has gotten loose, and the adverb astray comes from this sense of wandering off

from the proper place.

 The Problem 17
Automobile. As used in this study, this term refers to a road vehicle that

powers itself typically on four wheels that can carry a small number of

passengers.

Awareness. As used in this study, this term refers to a knowledge and

understanding of the BFP Personnel and Community to the program that

something is happening or exists. Being well informed or having ideas regarding

the facts or issues around, and being prepared to face it.

Enforcement. As used in this study, this term refers to an act of

compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.

Motorcycle. As used in this study, this term refers to a motorbike, bike,

cycle, or trike is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle.

Motorist. As used in this study, this term refers to a driver of an

automobile and motorcycle.

Pillion Passenger. As used in this study, this term refers to a person who

travels in a seat or place behind the rider of a motorcycle

Pillion. As used in this study, this term refers to a secondary pad,

cushion, or seat behind the main seat or saddle on a horse, motorcycle, bicycle,

or moped.

Prohibition. As used in this study, this term refers to an action of

forbidding something, especially by law.

Rider. As used in this study, this term refers to a person who is riding or

who can ride something, especially a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or snowboard.

 The Problem 18
Road Safety. As used in this study, this term refers to the methods and

measures used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured

Suppression. As used in this study, this term refers to an act of stopping

or removing something, or the object intended to be stopped.

Vehicular Traffic Accident. As used in this study, this term refers to an

accident on the road which includes car crashes, truck wrecks, and motorcycle

crashes.

Traffic Accident. As used in this study, this term refers to an accident

involving at least one vehicle on a road open to public traffic in which one person

is injured or killed.

Review of Related Literature

This part presents a review of literature relevant to the present study. The

review of related literature and studies about the Astray Animals on Vehicular

Traffic Accident in Tabuk City, Kalinga provided relevant information and

reference for the discussion and consideration of the findings and the study.

In the Related study AVCs cost the State of California approximately

USD225 million in 2015 alone - equivalent to 2% of the total transportation

budget. The study revealed that there were at least 563,496 traffic incidents of all

kinds across California reported to Highway Patrol between February 2015 and

February 2016. A total of 5950 cases from the traffic incidents involved collisions

with wildlife. These included reports of animals standing next to or running across

lanes, collisions with animals, and swerving to avoid collisions which eventually

resulted in a crash. (Shilling & Waetjen, 2016)

 The Problem 19
In a related study on AVCs in Saudi Arabia, it was revealed that there

were more than 600 crashes involving vehicles and camels every year. Every

one of the four crashes resulted in fatalities, and the number of injuries was four

times higher than those killed. (Al-Ghamdi & Algadhi, 2004)

In Sweden, a study on road and landscape features affecting the

aggregation of ungulate (hoofed mammals) vehicle collisions concluded that the

Swedish Transport Administration to employ fences and animal passages as

standard measures to reduce collisions. However, such mitigation efforts would

not solve the problems as they only shifted the collisions to new locations;

therefore, the researchers suggested speed reduction as another

countermeasure to avoid AVCs. (Sjölund, 2016)

In Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines a study of a motorbike rider who

avoided a dog on road died in a crash. A father and son managed to avoid hitting

a dog with their speeding motorbike, but they unfortunately crashed and one of

them lost his life in the process. Local police said NelsonFurio, 41, married, a

painter, of Barangay Balagan, Binmaley, Pangasinan, died in the hospital. His

son, 21-year-old Jasper John Furio, the driver of the vehicle, was injured in the

accident. Probers said the victims were on board their brand-new black Suzuki

Raider motorcycle at 7:45 p.m. when a astray dog suddenly appeared and

crossed the road along Barangay Calbueg. The animal wasn’t run over, but the

Furious crashed as they avoided it. The fatality, Nelson, was the back-rider at

that time. The two were taken to Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos

City where the father was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
 The Problem 20
The younger Furiosustained injuries on the different parts of his body. (Tibay,

2019)

Another study was recorded in Tacloban City after a female motorcycle

rider died in a road mishap due to a dog that had gone astray. She was riding on

a motorcycle driven by her husband when a dog dashed across in front of their

motorcycle. The dog hit the front wheel, causing the accident that sent Dedal

skidding on the ground. The victim died right after the incident while her husband

suffered multiple injuries. (Amazona, 2021)

In Tabuk city, Kalinga a woman died after a motorcycle she was on hit an

astray dog along the national road in Barangay Lucog Thursday morning, August

25, 2022. Police Major Connie Baglinit in an interview told to Guru Press

Cordillera that a married couple identified as Jake Dumaging and Deborah

Dumaging of Dangoy, Lubuagan were riding their XRM motorcycle towards

Bulanao when the tragedy happened in Lucog around 7:20 AM. A witness

alleged that an astray dog suddenly crossed the road, and it was too late for the

rider to step on the brake of the motorcycle directly hitting the astray animal. Due

to the impact, the couple was thrown off approximately 27 meters away from the

impact. The victims were rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital by a

concerned citizen. Unfortunately, Deborah was declared dead on arrival. The

involved motorcycle was temporarily brought to the custody of Barangay Captain

Nicanor Eddas. (Lo-oy, 2022)