12/09/2024
๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ผ๐๐
Scientifically speaking, before humanity even emerged, wildlife was the first to thrive. They can survive without us, but can we do so without their existence? Transitioning to the current state of the world, humans and animals coexist within the same environment, and weโve grown to love the idea of including them in our home. In a family, a pet wonโt be missing. Theyโre not a manโs best buddy without a reason. As much as weโve romanticized the idea of owning a domestic animal, an issue is born. Do pet owners in our community realize their responsibility? When clearly, animal rights are being disregarded which reached a brutal point. Although there were victims of the infamous feral dog here in Polomolok, the dog may have been a victim itself.
Recently, in the town of Polomolok, an unknown canine was allegedly going around and had bitten a total of 17 individuals, an alarming matter that eventually compelled the townsfolk to hunt down the dog themselves. Before we knew it, the canine was killed by a concerned citizen and brought to the custody of authorities. When viewing the situation with surface knowledge, it seems like justice was done. Whatโs saddening, is there are people beneath the posts online that are celebrating the unlawful murder of the dog as if it is such a milestone. But another set of paws crossed the rainbow bridge, due to the raging recklessness of its owner or owners. If it was a stray, then why did it have to take 17 individuals to be attacked before action was done by licensed authorities? Addition to that, how many more animals must be murdered, before the authority establishes a safe space for both the citizens and animals without compromising either one?
Though the canineโs biting spree was stopped, it should not have been that way, because an animalโs existence is still life. We cannot deem the safety of humans more essential over animals, there is no need to weigh between the two. Animals in this nation are shielded by the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 which strictly prohibits neglect and killing of animals. If there was a need to kill an animal with wood or also known as โdos por dosโ just to ensure my safety, then I should just live in the jungle too. Whatโs the difference between humans and wild animals if we will turn to the extermination of life too?
The feeling of horror, knowing a vicious dog is out in the community, is valid and justifiable. It is part of being human. Yet, it is insanity to think that mankind will resort to murder? To think that a dog, which does not think the same way we do, which does not have a brain wired like ours, was killed by humans that should have had conscience and common sense in them. It is true that the dog could have killed humans too, even with rabies it that can be transferred, however, there were animal control organizations around the community that should have done their jobs correctly before the occurrence became as tragic as this one.
Everyone is a self-proclaimed animal lover, until there is a difficult animal to tame or control. If only the dog was not killed but instead taken to the rightful custodies, alive, then it should not have been as devastating. Why is that we are the ones adapting the behavior of animals? Is this what mankind has turned into? Now that instances like these, inside our community are absolutely possible to happen, action should immediately commence.
Alongside the promotion and improving of the different aspects of our town, there should at least be advocacies to protect our animals, that can teach each of us to have a heart for their paws. Health centers that offer no charge anti-rabies injections must also be available and strengthened. Finally, before adopting or purchasing an animal, neglecting them must not be an option. We humans, must learn to act like ones. Believe it or not, dogs that can be labeled with ferocity, do not deserve death as a consequence. Giving something affection can change the course of their actions, even the most ferocious animals out there.
Written by: Julie Ilar
Editorial Cartoon by: Eliza Gale Jatulan
