September 7th 2024.
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As the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Gaemi, one of the strongest storms in Southeast Asia in recent years, the devastating effects were felt by both humans and animals. Despite the destruction of their homes, many dogs were left behind by their owners, chained to lampposts or caged outside. One animal rights activist, Ashley Fruono, witnessed the horrifying scene of decomposing dog bodies and knew that their deaths could have been prevented.
Ashley, the director of animal assistance programs for PETA Asia, has been living in the Philippines for 17 years but hails from British Columbia, Canada. She expresses her concern about the prevalent animal abuse in the country, despite the fact that it is home to over 23 million dogs. According to the Federation Cynologique Internationale, there are around 12 million dog owners in the Philippines. However, this has not stopped the alarming rate of animal maltreatment cases, with at least 3,000 recorded in 2020 by the Filipino animal welfare non-profit, Compassion and Responsibility for Animals.
During rescue efforts, Ashley came across malnourished and diseased dogs that were left outside by their owners. This is a common problem in the country, as many pet dogs are tethered outside their homes, even during emergencies like typhoons. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was severely impacted by Typhoon Gaemi, with strong winds and heavy rains causing flooding and landslides.
Ashley explains that animal cruelty is a huge concern in the Philippines, with many dogs being kept outside in cages or chained to lampposts or wooden beams. These animals are forced to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same small area for days on end. While there has been a slight increase in awareness and compassion towards animal welfare in recent years, the problem still persists, especially in poorer areas where living conditions make it difficult to keep dogs inside.
Under Philippine law, it is illegal to abuse, torture, or kill animals other than livestock. Those found guilty can face up to two years in jail and a fine of ₱100,000, which is approximately £1,300. One particular case that stands out in Ashley's mind is that of a dog named Nova. She was found tethered outside in Quezon City, a densely populated suburb, and her owner had refused to bring her inside or even feed her regularly. Nova had only a small, dilapidated wooden box for shelter and was desperate for affection.
Thankfully, Nova was rescued by PETA Asia and given proper medical care before being rehomed through their Ampon Alaga program. However, there are still countless dogs suffering in similar conditions and facing a life of neglect and loneliness. The situation is made worse during natural disasters like Typhoon Gaemi, as many evacuation centers do not allow pets inside, forcing owners to make difficult decisions about their animal companions' lives.
Ashley and her colleagues have been working tirelessly to rescue stranded animals in flood-stricken areas, often with limited resources and on shoestring budgets. They have witnessed the devastating aftermath of the typhoon, with dogs stranded on rooftops and suffering from starvation and disease. Despite the challenges, they have managed to save many animals, including Carina, a dog found by a family sheltering inside their home. Carina was riddled with worms and mange, but thanks to PETA Asia, she is now on the road to recovery and waiting for a loving forever home.
As the Philippines continues to face natural disasters, the issue of animal welfare during emergencies is slowly being addressed. More evacuation centers and even government rescue boats are now accepting animals, which was not the case in previous years. Animal fieldworkers are still faced with challenges and often have to make tough decisions, but they remain determined to save as many animals as possible. For dogs like Nova and Carina, who were once chained and caged, their lives have drastically changed for the better, and their stories serve as a reminder that animals deserve love and care, even during times of crisis.
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