Release dogs during emergencies, owners urged

MANILA, Philippines — Pet owners should unchain their dogs and unlock their cages if they are not able to have the animals evacuate with them during emergencies or disasters, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said yesterday.

The group made the appeal after its disaster response team found dogs either chained or locked inside a cage, giving them no opportunity for survival during the flood brought by Typhoon Ulysses.

One of those rescued was a dog stuck on a roof along Amsterdam street in Provident Village, Marikina. A concerned resident said they saw the dog swimming around and hanging on for dear life until he was able to make it to the roof.

Some residents, then in a hurry to proceed to evacuation centers as heavy rains started to pour, were reportedly forced to leave their pets behind.

The PAWS disaster response team is still in Provident Village to assess, rescue and offer assistance to the pets and pet owners whose homes were devastated by the typhoon.

The group, in its Facebook page, also asked the public to donate dog and cat food, ready-to-eat food for pet owners in easy-open cans and hygiene packs  containing soap, alcohol, toothbrush and toothpaste.