I love pets, the people around me knows that. We have dogs and cats at home. Unfortunately, my 2 cats died for clumsy reasons and I fully blame myself for the loss. It is not new to the people that Filipino eats ‘dog meat’. Yes, these people are nothing but monster to me. They are the worst animal. They’re cruel and should be put in jail.

Somewhere in Luzon, dogs are served as ‘pulutan’ (liquor’s partner). Meager income people enjoy every serving of it. And it is very improbable to hear cos for all we know, dogs are not supposed to be eaten. Dogs are pets, guardians at home – a man’s bestfriend.

I saw on television a News Sitcom that investigates the said issues. And I was crushed to see that hundreds of native dogs are delivered from different part of the country to a certain place in Luzon; a place they called ‘Dog Meat Industry’. I even saw how some of these ‘criminals’ whacked the head of the dog that is set to be slaughter. I also discover many recipes these people cooked from the dog meat. And my blood boils seeing those ‘stupid’ people take pleasure in every bite of it.

I just can’t hide the tears I shed while watching the show. I felt so hopeless that all I can do is to pray for the dog’s safety and recovery. The dogs were abused, harassed and maltreated. You can see bruises, scars, fresh cuts, bloods and anything cruel. You could see how hard to fight to live and how lonely their eyes – which will squeeze your heart badly. I can even see tears on their eyes and I couldn’t help but cry. Luzon is far from Mindanao (where I live). I want to help the dogs. I want to scream and whack those ‘criminals’ myself. The dogs had enough of their whacking, and those ‘criminals’ are most likely deserved my hardest whack.

When a private organization (that supports animal welfare) was introduced, it gives me hope; a hope that will save dogs helpless dogs in cage. I’m so happy that a private organization named ‘Animal Kingdom’ saved those dogs. The mission of Animal Kingdom Foundation is to support, protect and promote welfare and the rights of animals, to eliminate the practice of illegal slaughter of dogs for human consumption and to introduce legislations or amendments in the existing animal-welfare laws of the Philippines.

But why this has to happen? What forced these people to be cruel? Was it because of poverty?

In fairness to my underprivileged countrymen, they have their own reasons. I just can’t blame them. Poor and hungry – they have no money to buy more appropriate and decent food (we eat). Dog meat and delicacies are affordable. These people are deprived financially. Now, who’s to blame, the government or themselves?

I limit my advocacy to dogs and cats cos it’s hypocrite to include pigs, cows, carabao, fish and chicken – that I commonly eat. I can’t consider myself as a full-pledged Animal Right Advocate because I am not qualified. Needless to say, I am happy that people are (now) educated about the Animal Rights. I looked up to some organizations that fought against animal cruelty. I salute them.

I am hoping – you guys respect their rights too.

Featured dogs: Wyatt, Gabrielle, Kendy, Lord Domino, Coco, Chino and Missy.