At least 12 dogs abandoned reportedly in an island off Cordova town, Cebu was rescued by an animal welfare advocate. 

The dogs were taken from Shell Island, below the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), or the bridge connecting Cebu City and Cordova.

The 12 dogs are among over 30 dogs believed abandoned in the said island.

The dogs were described to be skinny, and have thrived by scavenging food from garbage that drifted into the area.

It was learned that the owner of the dogs, who could not take care anymore of the animals, paid a pumpboat skipper to take the dogs to the island.

When one Janice Palermo, a dog rescuer, learned of the situation, she went to Shell Island to see for herself. A rescue operation was conducted days after.

Palermo said that only 12 were rescued initially, as the rest have demonstrated elusiveness, while the other dogs have been taken in by a few residents living in the island.

The 12 dogs were transported to Palermo's dog shelter in Carcar City, south Cebu Province to join other dogs she has rescued in two years.

According to Dr. Alice Utlang, Cebu City veterinarian, a team has been deployed to check on the dogs, and that a letter addressed to the mayor of Cordova was also sent for a scheduled visit of personnel.

The personnel of the Cebu City Veterinary Office will carry out feeding, vaccination, and neuter/spay of remaining dogs.

In addition, the Cebu City Veterinary Office will conduct neuter/spay by September 2025 on dogs that Palermo rescued.