By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco / Correspondent
THE mayor of Makati City on Wednesday ordered the Makati Veterinary Services Office (MVSO) to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported vicious killings of cats at the posh Dasmariñas Village in the city.
“As a local chief executive, I will not allow anyone, regardless of their social status, to intentionally inflict harm on our animals,” Mayor Kid Peña said, stressing that such “barbaric acts” on felines, and even on hounds, should be dealt with appropriately.
The MVSO, headed by Dr. Vivien Manalastas, has initiated coordination efforts with the officers of the Dasmariñas Village Association, Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (Cara) Philippines, an animal welfare group, and the office of Barangay Dasmariñas Chairman Martin John Pio Arenas to solve the killings, and possibly apprehend the serial cat killer.”
Peña pointed out that cats, just like dogs, are regarded as “best friends” to humans, and thus, deserve to also be taken care of, and be able to enjoy their rights to live and proper care and protection.
He added that he would not think twice about suing those found responsible and see to it that the culprit behind the killings are duly penalized.
Under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, or Republic Act 8485, and the amended IRR 10632, Pena said that cruelty to animals carries a penalty of up to P250,000 and an imprisonment of up to three years. For foreigners, penalties for acts of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty and neglect of animals may include immediate deportation.
A similar case within the same exclusive enclave cropped up about eight years ago, Manalastas recalled.
In 2007, she said, that 14 cats and kittens cared for by an animal welfare group were shot dead with airgun in the same village.
Peña also expressed willingness to offer a cash reward to whoever can help expedite the apprehension of the culprit and solve the case at the shortest time possible.
He also lauded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia (Peta) and Cara for taking the lead in the protection of animals, especially stray dogs and cats, and assured village residents of his administration’s all-out support to their cause.
The Peta-Asia offered a P50,000 cash reward to anyone who could give information leading to the resolution of the case.
Janna Sevilla, campaign manager of Peta-Asia, earlier told the BusinessMirror that Dasmariñas Village residents have expressed alarm over the disapprearance of their feline pets over the past few weeks.
“This is alarming because psycho-killer starts with killing animals—cats, dogs—and later on, they start hurting people,” Sevilla said.
Peta-Asia has also set up a hotline, 0999-888-7382, to gather information about the case.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano