Netizens were left horrified and enraged after a disturbing video of a pregnant cat being abused by a group of minors circulated on social media.
In the viral footage, a girl is seen violently swinging a sack, which was revealed to contain a live cat. The video goes on to document the animal being forcibly confined in the sack, shaken, and physically harmed, acts that also endangered the unborn kittens inside her.
What further angered viewers was the apparent lack of remorse from those involved, with several of the teens seen laughing while the abuse was being carried out.
Netizens quickly condemned the incident, calling for accountability and justice for the animal, under the Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 8485) which protects all animals from cruelty, maltreatment, and neglect.
Animal advocate Aaliyah Sakutashi was among those who spoke out, taking to Facebook to describe the youth’s act as “exceptionally severe”.
“The cruelty documented is exceptionally severe as the perpetrators were fully aware that the cat was pregnant. Proceeding with these acts despite knowing the animal’s condition demonstrates clear intent and malice. This deliberate endangerment of both the mother and her unborn litter will be a primary focus of our formal complaints to ensure the highest possible penalties,” her post read.
Sakutashi added that the case has been elevated to authorities in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), noting that one of the alleged perpetrators, identified as Katrina Joy Miclat, is reportedly of legal age and may face penalties, including possible imprisonment and fines.
Meanwhile, the minors involved are expected to be held accountable through the BAI and the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in their locality.
The school identified in connection with the students, Benigno S. Aquino National High School, has also been formally notified and is now coordinating with concerned parties to address the situation.
In a statement posted on Monday, April 6, the institution strongly condemned the act and confirmed that the students involved have been summoned for counseling, with their parents also informed.
“BSANHS strongly condemns any act of cruelty toward animals. As an institution committed to promoting the values of respect, compassion, and responsible citizenship, we do not tolerate any form of violence or harm to animals or any living being,” the school said.
“Upon learning the incident, the school immediately reached out through the advisers concerned to contact the students involved and provide proper counseling and guidance. The parents were also informed and coordinated with so that appropriate guidance and disciplinary actions may be provided to their children.”
The school concluded by urging the public to uphold compassion and humane treatment of animals both online and offline.
