Be kind to all animals, even ones that aren’t yours

Trigger warning: this article contains accounts of animal cruelty.

Does it take a lot of us to show a little compassion toward our furry friends?

Local news about people hurting pets like dogs and cats have been making the rounds lately, breaking the hearts of pet-loving Filipinos on social media.

In Cebu, a 23-year-old man was arrested for throwing boiling water at a dog because he was reportedly irritated that the pooch kept loitering around the compound.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, a Siberian Husky named Skittles was allegedly shot by a neighbor. The pup, who managed to escape his home, was found on the next block, bloodied with a bullet from a .45 caliber pistol.

Sadly, Skittles crossed the rainbow bridge and left behind a mourning owner and Pringles, his dog companion. “Run free Skittles! No more pain and suffering! We will fight for justice,” welfare organization Community Animal Rescue Efforts (CARE) wrote on Facebook. “We are coordinating with the pet owner for the filing of the case of animal cruelty against the perpetrator who shot skittles.”

“We don’t condone any form of animal abuse and we will seriously bring this case into legal action. Animal cruelty should always be investigated, prosecuted, and penalized to the full extent of the law.”

Animal cruelty is punishable by law in the Philippines under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, with those committing the crime facing imprisonment of up to one year to a hefty P100,000 fine.

Netizens were left heartbroken upon seeing a photo of Pringles grieving the loss of her furry pal.

“Don’t know the reasons behind the shooting, but violence in any form isn’t acceptable. Please give justice to who deserves it,” one Facebook user wrote.

“Hold [the shooter] accountable!” another commented.

“There’s a special place in hell reserved for that asshole who shot Skittles,” one person said on Twitter.

The pain of losing a pet

Some people don’t just treat their dogs, cats, birds, frogs, or whatever animal as a pet, they’re like family members. Dealing with the loss of these fur babies will hurt just as bad as losing any human loved one.

Some people bring home these pets and treat them like babies, pampered with yummy treats and the cutest clothes—just look at all the loved animals in the Facebook group “Who’s your Pupper?” They invest so much time, feelings, and sentiment into these animals and these pets give that loyalty back by staying by their owners’ sides. Furthermore, cherished pets provide companionship, and reduce loneliness and depression, according to the Scientific American.

So when someone viciously hurts or kills these loved animals, there will be anger. There will be unfathomable grief.

Even strays don’t deserve cruelty. They might not have owners, but if you give them the chance, they can be adopted by someone and welcomed into a loving home.

Be kind to all animals—whether they have a home to go back to or not.

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Source: we the pvblic