Sen. Grace Poe—Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate Social Media Unit
MANILA, Philippines — Local government units were told on Wednesday to make certain that animal pounds are “not left unattended” during Holy Week.
Senator Grace Poe made the appeal citing an alleged instance of animal abuse that went viral on social media recently.
“Nabalitaan kamakailan ang mga pusang kumakain ng kapwa nila patay na pusa sa isang city pound. Kung naaalagaan sila nang maayos, hindi ito dapat nangyayari at hindi na dapat maulit,” Poe said in a statement.
(Cats were recently reported eating their fellow dead cats in a city pound. If they are cared for properly, this should not happen and should not happen again.)
“Even during the Holy Week break, it is the obligation of the city pounds to watch over, feed and take care of the animals in their care,” she added in a mix of English and Filipino.
READ: Animal pound in Cavite found starving cats to death
Similar to the obligation of animal pounds, Poe noted that households should also be committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of their pets.
“If the pets would be left alone, they should have sufficient food and water, and space to roam freely, until their owner comes back,” said the senator.
“For the Holy Week, we hope everyone can include in their reflection the act of being kind and compassionate not only to their fellow humans, but to animals as well,” Poe said later on.
To recall, Poe is seeking the passage of her measure — Senate Bill No. 2458, aiming to revise the Animal Welfare Act.
Poe said the proposed measure specifically seeks to strengthen animal welfare standards as well as provide tougher penalties to violators.