ILLUSTRATIONS BY Charisse B. Tacang
Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Founded in 1954, PAWS led the pursuit of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (also known as Republic Act 8485) in the Philippines. The PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center serves as a temporary refuge for animals rescued from cruelty and neglect. Their clinic offers low-cost neutering of dogs and cats in order to curb the overpopulation of unwanted animals.
Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA)
CARA, formed in 2000 by a group of dedicated animal lovers, aims to provide low-cost veterinary services, such as neutering, to low-income households. The group also established the “trap-neuter-return” method, a more humane way of controlling stray dog and cat populations. They are currently working with PAWS to save and rehabilitate the Laguna and Cavite fighting pit bulls.
Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF)
Established in 2002, AKF focuses on combating the dog meat trade in the country with the help of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government. The organization was also instrumental in the passage of the Animal Welfare Act of 2012 (also known as House Bill 6094), which prescribes harsher penalties and longer sentences for animal abusers.
Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA)
PSPCA was formed in 1904, making it one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the Philippines. The organization sees to it that laws involving the protection of animals against abuse are being enforced. They are also focused on education, providing seminars and facilitating school contests on responsible pet ownership. PSPCA offers free mass anti-rabies vaccinations to different schools, barangays and depressed areas upon request.
Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC)
AWC was established by a number of Philippine animal welfare organizations in 2006. They are partly responsible for saving Kabang, the mixed breed dog from Zamboanga who lost her snout while saving her master’s children. AWC was also influential in the drafting and passing of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 (also known as Republic Act 9482).
Earth Island Institute
The Earth Island Institute is an international organization founded in San Francisco, USA in 1982. Earth Island is dedicated to protecting the ocean by promoting safe fishing methods, proper garbage disposal and regular coastal cleanups. Their current project is their “Free the Dolphins” campaign, which encourages people to save dolphins and whales that are inhumanely held in sea parks in the Philippines.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific
Established in early 2005, PETA Asia-Pacific’s Manila team is part of the world’s largest animal rights organization. The team enlists the help of celebrities and politicians to promote their projects through poster campaigns and ads. They are currently fighting to move Manila Zoo’s solitary 38-year-old elephant Vishwa Maali to a larger and better-equipped elephant sanctuary in Thailand.
I WATCHED A SHORT FILM DOCUMENTARY ON THE BACK STREETS OF INNER CITY MANILLA IN WIHICH MANY POOR CHILDREN LIVE IN CARDBOARD LITTLE HOUSES AND ARE WAITING FOR FOOD AND THEN I NOTICED THE PERSON FILMED A SMALL BEIGE PUPPY WANDERING FROM EACH CORNER IN SEARCH OF A CLEAN WATER BOWL SINCE WHEN HE FOUND ONE THEY WERE DIRTY AND NOBODY TO FEED HIM .I KNOW R IGHT NOW I CANNOT MAKE A DONATION BUT MAYBE LATER ON ,BUT THE DOCUMENTARY WAS A BOUT ALL THE YOUNG GUYS HOOKED ON THE DRUG SHABU AND THEY WERE GETTING HIGH IN THOSE BACK ALLEY LITTLE HOUSES WHILE THE CHILDREN ARE WAITING FOR FOOD AND THE LITTLE PUPPY JUST WANDERING TO EVERY CORNER WAS HEARTBREAKING . I HOPE YOU CAN SEND A TEAM INTO THE CITY TO HELP RESCUE THE PUPPY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE .