DUG IS A fun-loving dog from the movie “Up,” who speaks through a collar to express his thoughts. We all loved this cute and cheerful Golden Retriever. Everybody loves this dog because of his optimistic, playful, and loyal character; children and adults want dogs like Dug or pets. From the loyal dog awaiting our return with a wagging tail to the enigmatic charm of a curious cat, these furry companions enrich our lives in ways that extend far beyond mere companionship. But, behind these fun-loving and loyal pets comes a gruesome incident. A trigger warning as this piece will mention violence.
Last March 9, Erika, an aspin, was stabbed by a Korean national who was bitten by a stray dog at Malate, Manila. Yvette Mayo, an administrator of Home4Paws, posted a Facebook video that went viral on March 17. The video showed a cat feasting on a dead cat due to alleged starvation in an animal center in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The videos and photos sparked outrage among netizens, who questioned how the barangay personnel care for the animals in the facility.
“To our furry companions, this is for you.”
The recent incident involving Killua, a three-year-old golden retriever, has sparked widespread outrage and brought the issue of animal abuse to the forefront of public consciousness. Killua was found stuffed in a sack after being brutally beaten by Anthony Solares, who claimed that the dog was being aggressive. However, Killua’s owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, stated that a CCTV video revealed Solares becoming excessively violent and chasing the dog.
This tragic event has amplified the voices of those advocating against animal cruelty and has drawn attention to the importance of holding abusers accountable for their actions. A proposed law by Senator Grace Poe was called to enhance animal welfare in the Philippines. The proposed law, called “The Revised Animal Welfare Act,” would make it mandatory to include Animal Welfare Education in the curriculum for primary and secondary education students. This is now pending, and I hope that will help stop animal abuse in the country.
The country has implemented other laws to address the issue of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. One of these is RA 8485, the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which is the first animal act to protect the welfare of animals against maltreatment, torture, killing, and neglect. According to Section 8, its penalties include imprisonment from six months to two years, a fine of Php 1,500, or both. However, these penalties are often too lenient, sending a message that animal abuse is acceptable. We must take a stronger stance against animal abuse and make it clear that it will not be tolerated.
According to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), over 7,000 animal cruelty cases occurred in the Philippines between 2010 and 2017. Meanwhile, in 2020, the Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) reported 3,000 animal cruelty cases. Killua, Erika, and the cats are not isolated. Countless animals suffer silently behind closed doors due to unspeakable acts of violence and neglect. Whether it’s physical abuse or abandonment, perpetrators of such cruelty demonstrate a disturbing lack of empathy and a blatant disregard for the welfare of sentient beings.
Addressing animal abuse requires more than just punishment; it necessitates a cultural shift in how we view and treat animals. We must acknowledge animals as sentient beings deserving of respect, care, and protection rather than mere objects or resources. By supporting animal welfare groups and advocating for enhanced animal protections, we can work towards a future where animals are spared from the traumas of cruelty and abandonment.
The fight against animal abuse is a moral imperative that reflects our values as a society. Let us raise our voices to defend the voiceless and build a future where all animals can live free from fear and suffering. As we strive to bring justice to our world, we must not forget the voiceless creatures who deserve justice – the animals. They, too, deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. Let’s join hands to create a world where justice prevails for all beings, big and small. To our furry companions, this is for you.
Email me at thebedan_fcreditor@sanbeda.edu.ph