Almost 40 abandoned dogs, cats rescued on Bulacan island

The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) has rescued 29 dogs and nine cats that were abandoned by their owners over two months ago in Taliptip Island, Bulacan after they relocated to another area.

According to Amielle Ordoñez’s report on “Stand for Truth” on Wednesday, the residents had to leave their homes in September after the island was bought by a private company, leaving many pets behind.

Due to this, a concerned citizen reached out to the AKF for help.

“Napagaralan ko at napagalaman ko [na] ‘yung progress that’s being offered here sa Taliptip Island has caused tremendously, impacted ‘yung mga aso at pusa na naiwan ng mga dating may-ari, ng mga occupants,” Atty. Heidi Caguioa, AKF program director, said.

Upon arrival Monday last week, the foundation fed the animals, which was also their way to make it easier to rescue the animals from the island.

Despite this, several rescuers slipped and were injured as they tried to catch the fleeing animals.

Some were also almost bitten by the animals. In some cases, a veterinarian had to inject some dogs in order to calm them down.

Though hard and dangerous, rescuers said that they were willing to persevere as long as it was for the benefit of the animals.

“Masaya din dahil mapupunta sila sa magandang ano, magandang mga tao rin atsaka maalagaan sila ng husto,” JM Tamboong, a rescuer, said.

The rescued dogs and cats will be brought to a shelter in Capas, Tarlac.

“It’s sad na iniwan nila ‘yung alaga nila. I don’t want to blame them, siguro circumstances will not allow them to bring the dogs to where they will relocate, but sana hindi nila iniwanan,” Dr. Rey Del Napoles, disaster response and veterinary services head, said.

“We are looking forward na mare-home natin ito, mahanapan natin ito ng bagong pamilya na magbibigay sa kanila ng magandang kinabukasan,” he added.

Taliptip Barangay Councilor Archie San Jose said that although some residents wanted to take care of their dogs, they were unable to do so as they chose to prioritize their families.

“Isa siguro sa malaking factor is ‘yung pagiging payak at sabihin nating kahirapan na rin ng buhay. Minsan po kahit sa kagustuhan man nating unahin ‘yung, isalba ‘yung mga alaga nating hayop, parang nakita ko po doon na mas inuna po nila ‘yung pamilya, unang-una po ‘yung pamilya,” San Jose said.

“Kaya hindi ko rin maiaalis na mahal nila ‘yung mga aso. It’s just that, dala ng pangangailangan at dala ng sitwasyon, kaya siguro nangyari ‘yung malungkot na pangyayari na iyon,” he added.

The AKF and other animal rights group, in order to avoid a similar situation, reminded the public to be responsible pet owners.  -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News