Two purebred cats stolen from PAWS a day after being rescued

Two cats that had been rescued by the Philippine Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) were allegedly stolen by two men on Sunday, Oct. 11.

The cats, a gray British Shorthair and a light brown Scottish Fold, were among the 26 animals rescued last Oct. 10 from a warehouse after allegedly being neglected by importers, PAWS said yesterday, Oct. 14. The animals were stranded at NAIA’s cargo area for weeks after importers had abandoned them.

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The cats were taken between 2:30 and 3 p.m. on Sunday from the shelter located at Quezon City. The organization reported that based on CCTV footage, one of the suspects broke into the compound, while the other stayed by the entrance to receive the animals.

The suspect who entered the compound went in by cutting the wire fence. He then approached the cattery and broke its padlock to take the cats housed in cages by the door. The suspect and his accomplice fled by foot with an orange wheelbarrow that was property of the shelter too.

For information that can help in recovering the cats, PAWS advised to contact Corporal Alon of Quezon City Police Station 9 at 09465826339.

The stolen cats were being treated for illnesses caused by the stress of being kept in small carriers for too long, PAWS said, stating that they had respiratory ailments and signs of dehydration. A number of the animals rescued in the warehouse were covered in their own feces and urine and had matted fur and skin sores.

“These cats were already in the initial stages of treatment when they were stolen,” PAWS shelter veterinarian Eizel Ladores said. “We appeal to those who may have unknowingly bought these stolen cats to please present any newly-purchased pets that match the above descriptions to PAWS.”

“They are microchipped and can easily be identified, but more importantly, we need to continue the treatment of the illnesses they acquired from the stress of importation,” she said.

Anna Cabrera, PAWS executive director, described the incident as “a most despicable act.”

“We cannot help but feel that this crime has been planned by those who stand to profit from these animals the most,” she said.

She stressed PAWS will still file charges against the importers who allegedly neglected the animals. The organization pointed out that importing animals during the pandemic when flights are usually delayed “could mean life and death for animals trapped between ports.” PAWS advocates adoption rather than purchase of pets to prevent animal cruelty.  /ra

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