Trigger warning: This article discusses animal cruelty.
A community cat at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City died after allegedly being kicked by a Chinese national.
On March 6, CARA Welfare Philippines reported that the cat named Ken was resting when the incident occurred. The organization also released CCTV footage stills showing the foreigner kicking Ken, along with a photo of his Chinese passport.
Photo: CARA Welfare Philippines
“This man was caught on CCTV kicking a frail and defenseless community cat at Ayala Triangle Gardens, resulting in the cat’s death. The cat was simply resting, unaware of the cruelty about to happen,” they said on a social media post.
According to CARA Welfare Philippines, the foreigner refused to provide his address when brought to the barangay.
“He told us to write to the Chinese Embassy. Because of this, he remains free to roam the streets, to roam the gardens,” they added.
The organization is asking the public to help identify and locate the foreigner so they can file a case against him. They noted that a “substantial” monetary reward will be offered to anyone who provides information leading to his location.
“This was not just an attack on one cat. It was a blatant violation of our law – RA 8485,” they stressed. “If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact ATG Cats immediately.”
Under Republic Act (RA) 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, any act of cruelty, abuse, or killing of animals is punishable by law.
Senator Grace Poe condemned the incident and urged the authorities to hold the perpetrator accountable.
“Safe haven dapat ng mga alagang pusa at aso ang komunidad na yun (That community should be a safe haven for pet cats and dogs). No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse. We ask the concerned authorities to hold the cat killer accountable for violation of the Animal Welfare Law,” she reiterated.
In February, Poe advocated for the passage of the revised Animal Welfare Act, emphasizing the need for the law to have “stronger fangs.” Meanwhile, pet lovers and owners have expressed their dismay over the incident.
CARA Welfare Philippines can be contacted on Facebook and Instagram, and ATG Cats on Facebook.
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