Don't turn a blind eye
“May lahi po ba?” is a question that downright irks me.
An animal’s worth shouldn’t be judged on whether it is purebred or not. This is a belief that should be set right.
It was 28 July 2020 when an aspin (asong Pinoy) named ZebZeb was shot by Randy Robles, an LGU official from Baras, Rizal. In a video circulated online at that time, Robles was heard shouting “Aso niyo ba ‘yan? Binaril ko! (Is that your dog? I shot him).”
ZebZeb’s owner, Jhon Rey, courageously filed a case against Robles.
Ana Cabrera executive director of PAWS, who co-filed the case with Jhon Rey, recalled the appalling questions asked then by the clerks at the Prosecutor’s Office. “Aso? Bakit anong ginawa sa aso? (A dog? What happened to the dog?)” “Binaril daw (Somebody shot the dog).” “Kawawa naman (Poor dog).” “Imported ba yung aso? (Is the dog imported?).”
An animal’s worth shouldn’t be judged on whether it is purebred or not.
After almost a year, justice has been served. Animal offender Robles was indicted. Under Republic act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act, Robles may face imprisonment and fines.
This is a huge step forward.
Imagine the number of unreported cases similar to ZebZeb’s. Owning them as pets isn’t enough. We have to make a stand and be their voice. Let’s demolish the belief that animal abuse is okay. It will never be.
Animal cruelty and neglect are criminal offenses. If you witness such incidents, don’t hesitate to report to your local police station. If you don’t act, who will?
Animal cruelty and neglect are criminal offenses. If you witness such incidents, don’t hesitate to report to your local police station. If you don’t act, who will?