MANILA, Philippines – If you’re thinking of getting a new pet, adopting one may be the best option for you.

The Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART) strongly encourages people to go to their local shelters where they can find a new family member – a dog or a cat – instead of purchasing one in a pet store.

“Adoption is the only compassionate option,” PART co-founder Connie Langlois said. “It not only saves the life of the animal that was adopted but also saves the life of another animal that takes its place at the sanctuary or a shelter.”

Think before adopting

Started in November of 2012, PART was established to spread awareness about animal cruelty and abuse. The organization also takes part in information dissemination on the importance of neutering, disaster preparedness, and the government’s role in maintaining a safe environment for animals.

“It’s out of our desire to improve the welfare of animals in the country,” Langlois told Rappler. “The Philippines is lagging compared to other countries when it comes to animal welfare.” 

PART advocates for responsible pet owners. The organization believes that education is a vital key in raising awareness on the proper treatment of animals.

A person who wants to adopt an animal should evaluate if he has time to spare to care for a pet. Walking and playing, for example, are essential to the welfare of a dog. Several factors such as financial matters and the current living environment of the family should also be considered before adopting an animal. (READ: Forever homes, loving families)

Langlois said pet adoption is a “lifetime commitment” and should never be treated lightly. A person cannot just abandon a pet out of the blue as “animal abandonment is animal cruelty” which is punishable by law.

“If you cannot commit the time and effort to be an active partner in your dog’s life, then having a dog is not for you,” Langlois clarified.

Sad truth

In the Philippines, animal abandonment is still rampant despite Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. Under the law, pet owners should not “neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal.” (READ: More bite for fight vs PH dog meat trade)

Despite the law, the state of rescued animals in the sanctuary are proof of the unthinkable cruelty that humans are capable of.

The Paws and Claws Animal Sanctuary of PART in Bulacan has sheltered more than 200 animals rescued from the bustling streets of Metro Manila. All suffered from abuse ranging from abandonment to being denied treatment of various injuries they had  sustained.

Blade, a one-year-old dog, was rescued from Sampaloc in Manila after his back paws were cut off by an unknown individual. He suffered from pain for 3 days while tied to a street corner post without food or water. A veterinarian had to amputate what was left of his legs after being rescued.

PART is trying to raise funds for Blade’s set of prosthetics, in addition to the construction of an extension of the shelter. The sanctuary’s current location only has 3 kennels and two cat rooms – not enough room for more rescued animals in the future.

Maintaining a shelter is not easy but is important as it supports abused animals who cannot fend for themselves.

“A sanctuary is critical as it provides a safe haven to homeless animals that have suffered some form of abuse,” Langlois explained. 

As a non-profit organization, PARTS relies mostly on donations from compassionate people.

Currently housing over 150 cats and dogs, the Paws and Claws Animal Sanctuary faces the constant challenge of making ends meet when it comes to supplies such as pet food and cleaning materials; and most especially, veterinary fees.

Langlois said proper supplies and medical care for abused pets are essential in preparing the animals for adoption.

“Their rehabilitation and socialization gets them ready to the next step which is adoption,” she added. “A sanctuary provides them the care they need where they’re also rehabilitated, socialized, trained, and treated with respect and dignity.” – Rappler.com 

For more information on how you can donate or open your doors to the shelter animals, you can reach PART at mail@philanimalrescue.org. You can also visit www.philanimalrescue.org and www.facebook.com/PhilAnimalRescueTeam.