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Having grown up in the city, I'm used to seeing cats and dogs roaming the streets. They can be found lounging on street corners and even interacting with one another in alleyways. And for the longest time, it has been the norm not only in Cebu, but throughout the Philippines.
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I have no objections to purebred animals; there are, no doubt, valid reasons for getting them. All animals, like us humans, deserve a caring home, which I'm sure most pet owners can provide. However, when someone chooses to spend thousands of pesos on a purebred instead of adopting homeless animals just because of their lack of breed, I start to see a problem.
When it comes to purchasing purebred animals, going to a breeder is frequently the best option. Unfortunately, buying from breeders will cost you a lot of money and will contribute significantly to animal overpopulation. In 2019, the Philippines had an estimated 12 million homeless cats and dogs. Only around 10% of these animals find their way to shelters, where they have an opportunity to find a loving home.
Puppy mills, which are large-scale breeding operations, supply a major portion of the puppies sold to pet retailers and breeders. Animals are frequently subjected to terrible conditions at these facilities, with the purpose of producing as many puppies as possible. These puppy mills are usually located in barns or hot buildings, where dogs and puppies are crammed into cages.
The dogs are repeatedly used for breeding before being starved to death or dying in an inhumane manner. The dogs receive no socialization, meaning, they are not interacted with and are frequently abused. But, if you choose and opt to adopt from a shelter, you are helping to put immoral breeding practices out of business.
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We cannot deny that some animal shelters do euthanize their animals. A few frequently resort to this approach due to a shortage of room and resources.
As reported by Aileen Rae Perez of GMA News in November 2021, every week, an average of 200 dogs are euthanized at different animal shelters in the Philippines.
Pet euthanasia, as defined by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), is a humane way to terminate an animal's suffering caused by an incurable sickness or physical discomfort. As recommended, the techniques of administering euthanasia should only cause speedy loss of consciousness, minimal pain, misery, and suffering in animals.
However, I believe that instead of seeing euthanasia as a means to resolve the growing concerns of shelters not having enough space to accommodate other animals, animal welfare organizations should instead promote adopting animals from these animal shelters.
Photo from Cebu City Animal Care and Control
When you adopt from a shelter, you do not only save the lives of other animals in the shelter, but you also open up space for another animal to be taken in.
In Cebu, the city government founded the Cebu City Animal Care and Control, formerly known as the Cebu City Pound. It is a shelter that seeks new homes for stray, neglected, and orphaned animals such as cats and dogs of various breeds. They are located on F. Batiller Street in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.
Choosing to adopt enables you to help and support these animals who are in need of finding a new home rather than allowing them to sleep on the streets. These strays are endearing. They are terrified, but they are also tough, sweet, and protective.
Not only that, this is also a way of showing support to your local city pound or shelter and helping them alleviate their growing problem of providing shelter for these strays. At large, this could also be a way to enlighten other people of the benefits of adopting.
Photo from Cebu City Animal Care and Control
If the notion of adopting an animal from one of these shelters still doesn’t appeal to you, don't worry. In Cebu, the Cebu City Animal Care and Control does not immediately resort to euthanasia; instead, they seek alternative solutions for these animals.
The shelter originally houses 50 animals, but it may be expanded to accommodate up to 150 if the need arises. They do perform euthanasia in rare circumstances where a dog is very unruly or if there are sickly dogs who have no possibility of recuperation.
To combat pet overpopulation, the Cebu City Animal Care and Control also provides free spaying or ligating and neutering or kapon for registered cats and/or dogs.
Photo from Cebu City Animal Care and Control
Furthermore, these groups are made up of passionate volunteers who go to great lengths to ensure that their animals are placed in the best possible home.
There's a popular misconception that shelter animals are less healthy than purebreds. However, this isn't always the case. Many excellent shelters usually give veterinary care such as vaccines, as well as a healthy, consistent diet when an animal arrives.
Aspins and puspins are just like any other dog or cat. They are extremely loyal to their owners if properly cared for, returning the appreciation, compassion and attention they receive. They are reflections of our Filipino identity too.
Photo from Cebu City Animal Care and Control
Because they were used to being on the streets, they are smart and wise to be taught tricks and trained for security. Because they have a golden heart, they too, tend to be protective of their family.
Pets are wonderful additions to our life, bringing us joy and making us eager to go home. When you choose adoption over shopping, your newfound buddy isn't the only one who benefits; you could as well.
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