Cruelty to animals

I was deeply saddened and furious at what I heard and read happened at the San Juan City Pound during the height of floods brought about by Typhoon Carina. The caged dogs and cats were abandoned when the floodwaters began to rise. The staff of the pound did not even think to release the animals to save them. Eight cats drowned in the said compound. An animal rescue group was able to save twenty dogs and eight cats. I can't imagine the horror experienced by the eight cats as they were left to drown. It makes my blood boil. Social media was likewise enraged by the incident, calling out San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora to act swiftly.

The local government of San Juan promised to investigate the incident and punish those who abandoned their responsibility. The crime committed is clear. There is a law against the mistreatment of animals. The government of San Juan should investigate those behind the crime. As per Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, those guilty will be jailed for not less than six months and not more than two years. These include staff of city pounds. The cruelty of the staff who abandoned the dogs and cats imprisoned in San Juan is clear. Let’s all hope for a fast and impartial investigation.

Everyone knows my advocacy for rescuing and helping dogs and cats. This should be a warning to all cities to take care of the animals in their care. They should not be neglected. Many groups take care of and help animals that don't have a home to go to. They can contact them for further assistance. Many cities have boats ready to help those affected by the flood. These should include animals. No one gets left behind.

There is a video on social media of a jet ski running in the flood. I hope he used it to help and not just to play and show everyone that he has one. I just shook my head when I saw the video. More typhoons will hit the country. It is only the end of July. When the "Ber Months" come in, this is when strong typhoons form over the Pacific Ocean and head towards the country. Typhoon Carina was compared to Ondoy where almost the same amount of rain fell. We are used to the rainy season, but some typhoons leave us helpless. We should just work together where even animals that don't stand a chance will be helped.