PETA waiting for gov’t nod to rescue animals amid Taal Volcano unrest

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia group on Monday said they are prepared to rescue animals left behind on Taal Volcano island after the phreatic eruption on Sunday.

In a statement, PETA Asia said they are awaiting permission from the government to enter the island to provide food and basic veterinary care to the animals there.

PETA said their animal rescue teams are already at various evacuation centers.

“The working horses on the island never receive veterinary care. Many tourists flock to Taal to climb the volcano, and most opt to ride on the malnourished and tired horses’ backs up and down the steep slopes in the blazing sun,” the group lamented.

#TaalVolcano is erupting. PETA’s animal rescue team is on the ground right now providing food & veterinary care to animals, and are ready to help animals on the island itself when permitted. If you see any animals in need of help, please reach us on 09998887382. #TaalEruption2020

— PETA Asia (@PETAAsia) January 13, 2020

The group called for various relief goods to aid their operations, including dog and cat food (wet and dry), face masks, leashes and collars, and a telescope to search for signs of life on the island.

Donations may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at PETA Asia's office at Unit 706, Fedman Building, 199 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati.

PETA Asia said cash donations can also be sent thru their Metrobank account: Account name: PETA Asia-Pacific Limited;  Account number: 007-066-31632-3.

PETA Asia said they may be reached through the contact numbers 8817-5292 or 0966-442-1708.

Thousands of residents in Batangas have been evacuated due to the threats posed by the Taal Volcano, whose hazardous eruption is imminent according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.  — RSJ, GMA News