Commentary
Justice for Stray Animals in Boracay!
By: Jonalyn Cabaluna
Boracay Isand- Boracay may be a world-class tourist destination, but when it comes to animal welfare, it is clearly failing.
We personally witnessed a man shoot a stray dog with a pellet gun. We were feeding the dog when it suddenly ran away in pain. Later, we found out it had been shot. This is clear animal cruelty. The dog was harmless and was only trying to survive. Based on the situation, it seems that this is not the first time this has been done. The reason given was that the dog urinates or defecates in the area. However, this is never a valid reason to hurt or shoot an animal.
My husband confronted the man and firmly told him not to harm the dog. We explained that if the animal is causing inconvenience, there are humane alternativesโthey can simply shoo the animal away or coordinate with proper authorities. There was no justification for violence, especially since the dog was not attacking or threatening anyone.
Stray animals are not aggressive by nature. They are simply trying to survive. Hurting them for being animals is cruel and unacceptable.
We reported the incident to BAARC Boracay Animals Adoption and were advised to go to the police. We followed the proper process and went to the police station to report what happened. Yes, some people say โaso or pusa lang naman yan,โ but let us be clear: animal cruelty is a crime under Philippine law.
We were told to look for police officers near EPIC Bar, but none were there. When we returned and explained the incident again, we were told that the store where the man works would be informed. Instead of immediate action, the focus was shifted to the rule that dogs are not allowed on the beach and in DโMall.
But the police didnโt do anything. We donโt know if they will tell the man.
We understand that DโMall is private property. But the beach is public. And even with rules, stray animals cannot simply disappear. These dogs and cats are hungry, abandoned, and struggling to survive every single day.
What is truly heartbreaking is that Boracay collects high taxes and has a very high cost of living, yet there is little to no visible action for the protection of animals. Rules should never justify violence. There is no excuse for shooting an animal.
CALL TO ACTION
We are calling on:
โข Local Government of Malay / Boracay
โข Philippine National Police (PNP)
โข Animal Welfare organizations
โข Department of Tourism
Investigate this incident seriously Hold the person accountable under the Animal Welfare Act Implement humane and clear policies for stray animals Educate businesses, security, and authorities on proper animal handlingBoracay should not only be beautiful for touristsโit should be humane and compassionate.
Animals have no voice. If we stay silent, abuse continues.
Please share this post. Awarenessi saves lives.
Boracay may be a world-class tourist destination, but when it comes to animal welfare, it is clearly failing.
We personally witnessed a man shoot a stray dog with a pellet gun. We were feeding the dog when it suddenly ran away in pain. Later, we found out it had been shot. This is clear animal cruelty. The dog was harmless and was only trying to survive. Based on the situation, it seems that this is not the first time this has been done. The reason given was that the dog urinates or defecates in the area. However, this is never a valid reason to hurt or shoot an animal.
My husband confronted the man and firmly told him not to harm the dog. We explained that if the animal is causing inconvenience, there are humane alternativesโthey can simply shoo the animal away or coordinate with proper authorities. There was no justification for violence, especially since the dog was not attacking or threatening anyone.
Stray animals are not aggressive by nature. They are simply trying to survive. Hurting them for being animals is cruel and unacceptable.
We reported the incident to BAARC Boracay Animals Adoption and were advised to go to the police. We followed the proper process and went to the police station to report what happened. Yes, some people say โaso or pusa lang naman yan,โ but let us be clear: animal cruelty is a crime under Philippine law.
We were told to look for police officers near EPIC Bar, but none were there. When we returned and explained the incident again, we were told that the store where the man works would be informed. Instead of immediate action, the focus was shifted to the rule that dogs are not allowed on the beach and in DโMall.
But the police didnโt do anything. We donโt know if they will tell the man.
We understand that DโMall is private property. But the beach is public. And even with rules, stray animals cannot simply disappear. These dogs and cats are hungry, abandoned, and struggling to survive every single day.
What is truly heartbreaking is that Boracay collects high taxes and has a very high cost of living, yet there is little to no visible action for the protection of animals. Rules should never justify violence. There is no excuse for shooting an animal.
CALL TO ACTION
We are calling on:
โข Local Government of Malay / Boracay
โข Philippine National Police (PNP)
โข Animal Welfare organizations
โข Department of Tourism
Investigate this incident seriously Hold the person accountable under the Animal Welfare Act Implement humane and clear policies for stray animals Educate businesses, security, and authorities on proper animal handlingBoracay should not only be beautiful for touristsโit should be humane and compassionate.
Animals have no voice. If we stay silent, abuse continues.
Please share this post. Awarenessi saves lives.
