Public warned against 'Pet-napping for ransom' modus

An exclusive report by Emil Sumangil in "24 Oras" on Tuesday said that there have been cases of "pet-napping" for ransom.

One of the victims, Virginia Pozon, said a stranger responding to her "missing cat" notice texted her and asked for ransom in exchange for the pet.

On the day that her cat disappeared, a CCTV footage caught a man seemingly struggling with a cat from inside a black vehicle.

The videos did not provide a solid lead so Pozon just posted the notices.

"We had some leads but we were not so sure, so we didn't want to pursue the videos. So what we did was we started giving away posters," she said.

After putting up the posters, Pozon received text messages asking to meet and demanding money.

Authorities told Pozon not to indulge the messages.

"[We were] desperate for answers but the police told us not to, because it was just a scam. Marami pala daw na nangho-hold-up daw, pwedeng sundan daw kami from the mall," Pozon said.

Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said the scenario described by Pozon is possible.

She said many pet cats can be found loitering in the streets.

"Hindi nga nalalayo na mangyayari 'to sa hirap ng buhay ngayon. Tapos yung pinagkakainteresan yung mga may breed. Marami kaming nakikita na mga pusang may breed, pinababayaan lang sa labas," Cabrera said.

She advised pet owners, especially cat owners, to neuter their pets.

"Dalawa lang ang drives ng pusa, yung kanilang sex drive and food drive. So pag ang pusa gustong lumabas, ibig sabihin naghahanap ng makakapag-mate," she said.

At the PAWS Center in Quezon City, 7 cats per day are neutered at the cost of P1,000 per operation. — BAP, GMA News