Group intensifies animal rescue in Taal

MANILA, Philippines — While the government continues to evacuate families affected by the unrest of Taal Volcano, an animal welfare group has intensified efforts to rescue animals that were abandoned on Taal Island. 

Nirali Shah, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)-Asia’s special project coordinator, said they have rescued at least 17 animals so far on Taal Island as she vowed to continue their efforts until they safely rescue all the surviving animals there.  

“We’ve got 17 animals out so far and won’t stop until all are safe,” Shah told The STAR.

What struck rescuers most was a heartwarming rescue of a dog named Palakitik, who was believed to be dead due to the ashfall brought by Taal’s eruption last Sunday.

“Everyone at PETA knows her very well from the horse clinics we’ve been running on the island. She always meets us at the shore and follows us around everywhere,” she told The STAR. 

“To their amazement, she came running up through the ash, overjoyed to see friendly faces. After providing her with the only food and clean water she’d likely had since the eruption – and showering her with lots of love and affection – the PETA’s team took her off the island to receive veterinary care and to sleep safely in the comfort of a soft bed,” she added.   

PETA was having difficulties rescuing all animals on the island due to the limited time given to visit the area and their lack of resources to ferry the animals.

“We can’t pile animals on the boat and risk it sinking, and we must also treat each one with the utmost care – most are frightened, scared and injured. We also have limited time on the island each time we’re able to access it,” Shah said. 

PETA also reiterated their appeal to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help them rescue the animals on Taal Island and for access to larger boats “all at PETA’s expense” to transport more animals as safely and quickly as possible. – With Emmanuel Tupas