Who wants to be a fur parent? Cats in CHR up for adoption

MANILA, Philippines — Cats found within the compound of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) in Quezon City are up for adoption in a bid to save them from being sent to an animal enclosure.

“The CHR management informed us that the cats will be impounded. Yesterday (Monday), we were instructed to establish a three-month timeframe for the gradual adoption process of the cats,” animal advocacy Cats of CHR said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Information on the exact date when the feline pets would be impounded was unavailable as of writing.

READ: Animal pound in Cavite found starving cats to death

According to Cats of CHR, the decision to impound the animals stemmed from an incident when it caused damage to furniture as well as cases of biting and scratching.

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“This decision stems from an incident where a cat was discovered inside a room, resulting in damage to a chair. Additionally, [before] this incident, there were instances of biting and scratching, prompting the Cats of CHR to take action by implementing a regular spaying and neutering program, as well as administering rabies vaccinations to all cats within the office premises,” the organization said.

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READ: Cavite cat cruelty prompts Abalos to promote animal welfare laws

The advocacy group said it has facilitated the spaying, neutering, and anti-rabies vaccination of around 30 feline pets.

In a text message to Inquirer.net, however, the CHR said that there are currently no plans to impound the cats in its premises.

“First and foremost, there has never been any mention nor intention to impound the cats residing on office grounds. CHR has long accommodated their presence and recognizes the efforts of our caretakers in looking after them,” the CHR said.

The CHR also acknowledged that various untoward incidents have happened towards their employees involving cats, as well as damage to office property, and that it requested the caretakers to submit a three-month time frame for the gradual adoption of the cats.

“In light of these developments, CHR has requested caretakers to submit a proposed timeframe for the gradual adoption of all the cats over a period of three months,” it said.

“We understand that caring for animals is a noble endeavor, but it should not compromise the right to safety and security of employees and clients in the office, nor the integrity of CHR’s property. It is essential that we find a balance between compassion for animals and responsibility towards our workplace environment,” the CHR added.