“Cotton” and “Twister” are two therapy dogs that have been used in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recovery programs for individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or psychosocial disabilities in selected DSWD centers and facilities.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Sunday said the therapy dogs, Cotton (Bichon) and Twister (Long-Hair Chihuahua), are part of the Department’s “Angel Pets” Program, which integrates animal-assisted therapy into its recovery activities. Launched in 2024, the program is implemented in partnership with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

Cotton and Twister were accompanied by PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera to present an evaluation report to Gatchalian last week. The report showed a 99.04 percent positive outcome in promoting emotional recovery among program beneficiaries. Also present was Undersecretary Edu Punay of the DSWD Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG), which oversees the implementation of the program through the Social Technology Bureau (STB).

During the visit, PAWS reported the case of Kobe, an Asong Pinoy (AsPin), whose tongue was mutilated by an unidentified individual along Aratiles Street, Barangay Balangkas, Valenzuela City, on the morning of 9 December. The dog’s owner found Kobe lying on the pavement, bleeding and weakened from blood loss. PAWS transported the dog to a veterinary clinic for medical care.

“Alam niyo, ang pananakit sa ating mga alaga, sa ating mga aso at pusa illegal ‘yan. Hindi ko kayang sikmurain na may mga nananakit sa ating mga alaga. This is not how our values are. Tayo [sa Department] natin, we value every single life,” Gatchalian said.

(“Harming our pets, dogs, and cats is illegal. I cannot ignore those who hurt them. In the Department, we value every life.”)

Gatchalian announced on 12 December via his official Facebook account a P100,000 reward for information that could lead to the identification of the person responsible for the attack on Kobe.

“Noong nakita ko ‘yung picture (ni Kobe), karumal-dumal. Bilang maliit na reward sa impormasyon na makatutulong para masugpo itong kaso na ‘to, personally ico-commit ko ang P100,000. This is a personal appeal dahil ako hindi ko kayang sikmurain na may ganitong ginagawang aktibidad na karumal-dumal laban sa ating mga alaga sa Valenzuela City,” he said.

(“When I saw Kobe’s picture, it was horrific. I am personally committing P100,000 as a reward for information that could help resolve this case. I cannot ignore such cruel acts against our pets in Valenzuela City.”)

Gatchalian condemned acts of animal cruelty and stated the Department will continue supporting animal welfare initiatives to prevent similar incidents.