“We want animal welfare and we want it now.”
This is the shout of the various animal welfare groups and pet owners during the first Animal Welfare Week March at the Quezon Memorial Circle organized by Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) and the Department of Agriculture‘s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on September 29.
Rain or shine, animal lovers – from ordinary pet lovers to politicians and celebrities – showed their support to this year’s theme “A Progressive Nation Upholds Animal Welfare”. More or less a hundred people accompanied by their pets, mostly dogs, marched under the scorching heat of the sun carrying placards for all motorists and passers-by to see. Volunteers of CARA Welfare Philippines also participated.
At CARA’s booth near the stage exclusive merchandise like Save the Laguna Pitbulls (LPB) shirts and tote bag were for sale and CARA volunteers welcomed a number of inquiries on adoption. Volunteer Candice Segovia represented the group and explained CARA’s efforts to the audience. Recent aspin rescue “Lucky” also graced the stage with an LPB alumna, “Ruby”.
In behalf of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Councilor Peter “Onix” Crisologo spoke to the crowd. An animal welfare advocate himself, Crisologo said he hopes the event will be celebrated annually at the Quezon Memorial Circle.The Director of BAI, Dr. RubinaCresencio, was also present. She stressed that “animal welfare is not just for pets, but it also encompasses all animals and breeds.”
Meanwhile, AKF president Charles Leslie Wartenberg lamented the fact that the Philippines is behind in animal rights.
“The policies must be improved. There should be an increased penalty in dog trading,” Mr. Wartenberg said. He added that he wants offenders to know that “we have surveillance” in partnership with the Philippine National Police, whose troops were also present at the event.
“We know where you are and we will get you … You are going to be sorry. If you’re in the dog meat trade, I promise you will all be arrested.” Mr. Wartenberg is also the founder of the International Wildlife Coalition Trust.
Free face-painting, deworming and anti-rabies shots were available for all of the attendees. Dog and cat foods, pet shampoo, and apparels were for sale at discounted prices.
Lively performances by singer Jaya, SipatLawin Theater Ensemble, and HD in Motion entertained the audience after the 40-minute walk outside the park. Audio-visual presentations prepared by AKF were played.
The Animal Welfare Week March is the first of its kind in the metro after the organizers were inspired by a successful animal walk in Cebu. They now plan to have it annually in order to promote animal welfare further in the country, especially now that an amended version of the Animal Welfare Act is being lobbied for President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to sign and enact. – By Danielle Dandan