As Filipinos grapple with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on everyday life, CARA Welfare Philippines continues to step up to ensure that animals living on the streets are not forgotten during this global health crisis.
In certain areas in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (Central Square, High Street, Track 30th, Terra 28th, Ore, De Jesus Oval, Greenway Park, Shangri-La Fort Manila Park, and 32nd Street), cats under CARA’s care are being routinely monitored and fed—even during enhanced community quarantine, which lasted two and half months. One volunteer per area is assigned to feed the cats (five minutes, tops!), who are also left water and food bowls for sustenance.
Even neutering efforts continue amid the lockdown. Since 2018, 313 cats in BGC have been fixed; at Gallery Parkade, also in BGC, a few had to be nourished for two to three weeks toward the end of April, before they were finally neutered as well.
Over in the cities of Manila and Pasay, feeding efforts are alive and well, too. From April 2 to 12 alone, 14 and 21 bags of cat and dog food, respectively, were dispensed to beneficiaries living in Luneta Park, Quirino Grandstand, Intramuros, and Mall of Asia parking areas. Street dwellers with pets also received food for their furry companions.
Animal shelters have also been among CARA’s beneficiaries. Cookie’s Nest in Calauan, Laguna, were given food aid for 66 dogs and seven cats, while 300 5-in-1 vaccines were donated to Philippine Animal Rescue Advocate (PARA) and Wagging Tails Sanctuary in Silang, Cavite; and Animal Kingdom Foundation in Capas, Tarlac. This vaccine is crucial to pets’ overall health.
It is unfortunate that during these trying times, some animals are still being robbed of the care they deserve. During ECQ, CARA rescued a cat, now named Maki, who had an elastic band tied very tightly around his neck and arm—so tight, that it left deep cuts. Sedation was required to free him from the band, and has now been neutered and freed. CARA reminds everyone that elastic bands are unsafe to be used as collars for pets, since these can cause entanglement, lacerations, and loss of blood circulation.
CARA’s rescue, feeding, neutering, and donation efforts will continue as the country also moves forward amid the pandemic. In Manila particularly, the long-term goal is to partner with the local government in order to neuter cats under the Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program, and educate the general public on proper pet care and responsible ownership.
To those who would like to generously share their resources to sustain our efforts, you may donate through BPI (3191046705), https://PayPal.me/carawelfareph, or https://www.simplygiving.com/helpthemanilaanimals. Please email donate@caraphil.org your proof of donation, for tracking and record-keeping purposes.