The COVID-19 pandemic has called for the urgency of home quarantine, but what happens to those without a home?
In proposing for this project, the team of Isang Daan found its essence addressing the prolonged issue of animal welfare violations, especially during these trying times.
This pandemic brings attention towards the reality of what stray animals experience in being neglected of proper shelter, food, and medical care – especially here in the Philippines (Lakshmin, 2020; Vila, 2020). There are volunteers – individual and organizations – who also experience difficulties in reaching out to these strays. Some struggle with being underfunded and some are unable to access enough resources (De Vera-Ruiz, 2020).
The Tragedy Continues
In recent news, Sancio (2020) published a news article on the controversial issue of the Dasmariñas Village Association and their policy that prohibits the feeding on stray cats in the village. This implementation received negative comments as it is seen as a threat and violation towards the welfare of stray animals and Animal Welfare Act of 1998 that is meant to protect them.
As a frequent feeder of stray cats in the village, Gretched Malalad took her concern towards the village's new policy to an online platform as a form of protest against it. The village association responded that this implementation is to ensure the safety and health of the people living in the village. This begs the questions: How can we help these animals without compromising our health, especially during this time of the pandemic? How can we control the stray animal population ethically and efficiently?
All in all, it is an unfortunate reality that animal welfare is not that much of a priority as of now. This is due to the lack of information and awareness and the situation that people are fending for their own safety and welfare as well as the collapse of the economy and global health crisis present today. Thus, as a stray animal welfare organization, Isang Daan aims to provide convenient and effective ways in reaching out to our furry friends on the streets. Stay tuned for more details on that!
References:
De Vera-Ruiz, E. (2020, October 4). ‘Adopt, don’t shop,’ animal welfare group
appeals. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/04/adopt-dont-
shop-animal-welfare-group-appeals/
Lakshmin, D. (2020, May 8). Amid the world’s strictest lockdown, people who feed
stray dogs are now deemed essential. National Geographic. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/05/worlds-strictest-lockdown-
people-feed-stray-dogs-essential/
Sancio, B. (2020, October 7). Dasmariñas village association says ban on feeding
stray cats ‘not an act of cruelty’. Rappler. Retrieved from
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/dasmarinas-village-association-statement-ban-
feeding-stray-cats
Vila, A.C. (2020, July 31). With animal shelters full, millions of stray dogs and cats
roam the Philippines – but one clinic is offering a solution. South China
Morning Post. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3095186/animal-
shelters-full-millions-stray-dogs-and-cats-roam-philippines-one?fbclid=IwAR3-
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