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Makati to rescue abandoned animals in Batangas
FILE: ABANDONED. Dogs that have nowhere to go loiter near the Taal Lake in San Nicolas, Batangas on Friday (Jan.
17, 2020). Aside from evacuees, authorities and some non-government organizations rescue animals that were left behind by their owners who have evacuated due to the unrest of the Taal Volcano.
(PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
MANILA — Aside from sending rescue personnel, the Makati City government will be assisting in the rescue of animals trapped in the danger zones after the Taal Volcano explosion, Mayor Abby Binay said.
In a statement on Saturday, Binay said the city will deploy an impounding vehicle to Bauan, Batangas on Sunday together with some personnel of the city Veterinary Services Department (VSD) who will turn over dog and cat food, vitamins, antibiotics, and antiseptic solutions to the Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office.
“It is important to save our pets and other animals during disasters because they are also part of our families,” Binay said.
Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas, Makati VSD chief, said the impounding vehicle has eight cages that can accommodate up to 24 medium-sized dogs.
Photos and videos of animals, including horses and cows covered in ash, have circulated online, prompting animal rights groups and local government units to provide food and basic veterinary care for abandoned animals.
Binay earlier ordered the deployment of the city’s disaster response vehicles and equipment to Bauan to assist thousands of evacuees from localities affected by the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano.
Some 1,000 blankets, pails, and dippers will also be sent as her personal donation to the victims.
Taal Volcano has been spewing ash since Sunday. As of January 17, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Alert Level 4 remains in effect, which means a hazardous eruption is possible within days or hours.
