Be responsible pet owners

Animal cruelty, such as violence and neglect, is still common in the Philippines. Not only does this stem from a lack of knowledge and awareness of animal welfare, but there is a blatant lack of compassion and humanity for living creatures.

Last March, Killua, a golden retriever, was brutally killed in Camarines Sur. Other dogs have also been victims of abuse. A puppy was thrown from a pedestrian overpass by a security guard in Quezon City. A tourist’s dog was found butchered by fishermen in Sariaya, Quezon. How many more cases of animals being killed and butchered would it take to stop animal cruelty once and for all?

“Changing a mindset of a person can be very difficult, we can only inform them the proper ways of handling dogs or pets,” said Nelfe Joy Tagarian, an eight-year small animal practitioner and veterinarian when asked how people can change their negative minds about animals. Tagarian explained that it is not an option to kill an animal, whether rabid or not, without first going to the local authorities to hold the owners accountable.

Pet owners under Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, are mandated to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. This is to ensure the safety of the pets, owners, as well as the public.

Killua’s case has highlighted concerns regarding pet care and the responsibilities of pet owners. Owning a pet could be financially hefty, and an aspiring owner must be prepared to cater to their potential pet’s needs. Getting vaccination shots, checking for possible diseases, maintaining the pet’s diet and nutrition are just among a pet owner’s responsibilities.

Frances Zipagan, University of the Philippines Baguio