Animals are said to be man’s natural companion. They have been so connected with our lives that they have even become our stress relievers. Whenever we come home from a long day of work and school, one bark or a purr would soothe our tired soul, and we would promptly and gently stroke our pet’s stomach and caress their whiskers. As natural companions, we should treat them with equal respect and dignity as we do with other people. 

 

However, a recent video has gone viral in social media where a cat was sliced and severed by a blender’s sharp metallic blades, turning the live animal into a disfigured blood juice. This has infuriated many of us, but the video is but a mere tip of a dark iceberg that continues to elude the population with animal cruelty horrors that could make us all vomit and livid.

 

In fact, many animals have always been treated poorly ever since they were born, as stated by the Network for Animals organization. They are raised to be on the mercy of a laboratory’s cold facility where unknown chemicals are injected and tested into their system. They are hunted in the forests and wild habitats to turn their natural skin into our own selfish clothing, luxury bags, makeup, and fashion that only reek of abuse and unparalleled cruelty.

 

This is why Republic Act 8485 was put into law. In spite of it being codified as a law, its implementation and active legal enforcement is still lacking. Many abusers and people are still off from the law’s metes and bounds. In fact, in Ballesteros, Cagayan, a vendor was caught selling dog meat in her customers in broad daylight along a street, in front of walking and patrolling officers. In her admission later on, it was found that other vendors do the same illegal act and that it has even become a family business for some, where dogs are raised to end up dissolved in gastric acid of a man’s stomach.

 

It is high time to give full attention to these abhorrent acts. 

 

We call on the government to enforce and enhance existing animal welfare legislation, such as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, to ensure comprehensive protection for animals. We also advocate for a stricter set of penalties and more stringent regulations against those who commit such acts of cruelty.

 

It is also important to educate communities about the proper treatment, care, and humane handling of animals, fostering a culture of compassion and respect. This despicable crime has to be stopped immediately. Enough is enough. And we have had enough.

 

Individual actions must likewise be taken such as adopting stray dogs and cats instead of letting them wander in dangerous roads and streets where they could end up as appetizer. Indifference on the issue of animal cruelty must also be stopped. To not care nor condemn these acts is being complicit on your own in the gore crime of animal abuse. We can do this by simply relieving the pang of hunger that stray animals experience and by giving them shelter when they need it most.

 

 The path may be long and rugged, but every action, no matter how small or big, would ultimately lead to the day where animals are treated fairly, where our natural companions are caressed and taken care of, where we humans live up to being true stewards of God’s creation. Remember to stand for justice because all lives matter, including animals; and continue the fight against animal cruelty.

| Credits to the sources and owners of the images and elements used.

 

DISCLAIMER: This post is meant for academic purposes only.

 

#MayPakeAko

#AnimalRightsMatter

#EndAnimalCrueltyNow!