Filipino animal rights groups have joined the global outrage over the maltreatment of animals due to the several incidences of animal cruelty that had spread over the Internet.

The global community of animal lovers is calling for animal protection amid the circulation of a series of videos against innocent animals subjected to violent treatment by humans.

Filipino pet owners and animal advocates joined in solidarity in seeking justice for two American Staffordshire terriers, Marshall and Millions, who were gunned down by members of the Metropolitan police in London.

London police received a report that the two dogs owned by Louie Turnball were “out of control”.

Turnball is also now facing dangerous dog offenses.

Witnesses and video footage of the incident gave a different account as the two dogs were seen on leashes when seven cops confronted their owner. The canines appeared to be protecting Turnball during the confrontation. The tragedy immediately spread and received the attention of the animal lovers’ community.

Police abuse also on animals

Local dog whisperer Lestre Zapanta saw the Marshall and Millions incident as the result of “miscommunication” between the authorities and an intimidated Turnball. Policemen should have included animal control in their team when they confronted Turnball, he said.

PAWSsion Project, a non-profit stray animal rescuer, expressed deep sorrow about the brutal incident.

It posted a literary piece authored by Marion White, accompanied by an artwork made by Jerson Chavez, portraying the two dogs wearing a flower necklace with a halo above their heads.

Well-known voice artist, Inka Magnaye, also a pet lover, penned a very strong message.

“Animal Cruelty needs to be punished to the full extent it can be punished. No one should be above the law. I would punish them all myself if I could. In the same way, any animal abuser hurts any animal,” Magnaye commented on the PAWSsion’s post on 17 May, which already garnered over 57,000 reactions, 2,400 comments, and 39,000 shares.

Instances of pet betrayal

In previous months, a horrifying “cat blender video” circulated online which generated global dismay and indignation. In a video, a Chinese man placed a poor kitten inside a blender until it died.

The incident triggered calls for animal protection louder, particularly in the Philippines.

In February, the Angeles City government filed charges against three residents for the slaughter of a dog for  pulutan as a side dish in a drinking session. The city government tagged this act as “barbaric, primitive and inhuman.”

In the same month, a pet owner issued a complaint of animal cruelty in the Cebu City police station, after a 23-year-old man threw hot water at her dog. The man said he was irritated by the dog running around the compound of his house.

Law protects pets

Later on, the pet owner decided not to pursue the case against the cruel man who vowed he will never hurt animals again.

Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, targets to promote animal welfare in the Philippines. Torturing and maltreatment of any animal are considered a crime in the country under Section 6 of RA 8485.

Violators of the law will be punished for not less than six months nor more than two years or a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 or both at the discretion of the Court.