A nonprofit animal welfare organization has filed legal action against a barangay official responsible for the “disturbing” state of cats found inside their cages at an animal pound in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Last March, a video surfaced online showing several cats confined inside a small cage, with some allegedly resorting to consuming the remains of other cats, presumably out of extreme hunger.
The distressing situation was brought to light when an animal advocate, Yvette May, reportedly visited to assist a friend in locating their missing pet cat.
Yvette, along with other concerned animal advocates and fur parents, vowed to seek justice for the cats housed at the cat pound and also stated her intention to sit down with city authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Barangay San Jose chairman Jeff Frani insisted that the cats were “not neglected”, as they were being fed “twice daily by two caretakers”.
The City Veterinary Office in Dasmariñas has also issued its statement, assuring the public that they are improving the lives of impounded cats and has also ordered Barangay San Jose to suspend animal-catching activities until they have a suitable facility for the stray animals.
Months after the distressing news of the felines, the non-governmental animal welfare organization, Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), announced that a case has been filed against the unnamed barangay official for “neglecting to provide care and food to impounded cats.”
“A case for violation of RA 8485 was filed against a Barangay Official for neglecting to provide care and food to impounded cats,” read AKF’s statement.
“It is the responsibility and duty of the management of ANIMAL FACILITIES to abide by the policies and guidelines in the establishments and maintenance of Animal Pounds,” the organization stressed.
AKF also highlighted the responsibilities of local government units to provide basic necessities and proper facilities for impounded animals under their care.
“Barangays should be registered, and have proper facilities manpower, and resources to care for the impounded animals. Otherwise, just cruelty from the streets is just moved from the shelter to the pounds,” the foundation wrote.
