Euthanasia is kindest option for rescued dogs

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) deserves everyone’s support for acting in the best interests of the 300 dogs who were rescued from a fighting ring in Laguna province. (Inquirer, 4/5/12) Unfortunately, euthanasia is the kindest option for rescued dogs because of the abuse they have suffered, their vulnerability and the danger they pose to public health.

As this case shows, offering rescued fighting dogs for adoption puts them in danger of a fate worse than death. Some of them reportedly had been previously rescued from another dogfighting ring and were adopted by people who then resold them to dogfighting promoters and operators.

Fighting dogs do not make good candidates for adoption. They have been bred for strength and aggression and trained to kill. They are scarred for life, and it is unknown if rehabilitation is even possible. Dogs that have been forced to fight or otherwise abused have seriously injured and killed countless other animals and humans.

All dogs deserve a good home with a devoted family who will take care of them responsibly and love them for life. If a dog’s background makes this impossible, a painless release is the most compassionate option. To learn more, visit www.PETAAsiaPacific.com.

—ROCHELLE REGODON,

campaign manager,

People for the Ethical Treatment

of Animals Asia (Peta),

RochelleR@PETAAsiaPacific.com