Trigger Warning: Article contains descriptions of animal cruelty
An animal welfare group is seeking assistance with veterinary expenses for cats rescued from the New Bilibid Prison amid allegations of abuse.
Strays Worth Saving (SWS) said on Thursday, January 15 that it is raising P20,000 for the “rescue and initial vetting” of seven cats from the Muntinlupa prison, following a request of the Strategic Power for Animal Respondents (SPAR).
Of the seven cats, four are adults and three are kittens. Some of them have injuries and are in need of medical attention.
SWS said it is handling the vetting of the cats owned by an NBP inmate identified as “Ben,” who has been detained for 21 years for murder, which he said was committed in self-defense.
Ben reportedly shared that the cats have been a source of comfort for him, especially during moments when he misses his family.
According to a video report, Ben’s cats were among those rescued by SWS and SPAR and were found to have injuries.
SPAR said the cats will be treated before they are placed in new homes.
Ben tearfully admitted that he will miss the cats but expressed hope that they will receive proper care that he is unable to provide while imprisoned.
Meanwhile, SWS said Ben wanted all 20 of his cats to be saved and that the organization is “working on releasing them” amid allegations of abuse at the facility.
Of the 20 cats, the group said only seven have been rescued so far.
Of those rescued, five are in very poor health, while the two healthy cats will be neutered and vaccinated.
In its social media post, SWS said those interested in supporting the rescue efforts may donate through the following GCash channels:
0917-636-3824
0917-891-4214
0905-111-0018
0917-636-3931
For those who wish to donate via Maya or Coins.ph, contributions may be sent to 0917-636-3824.
Donations may also be made through PayPal.
Bank transfers are likewise accepted through the following accounts:
Unionbank
109452801813
Melanie Ramirez
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
1289494037
Melanie Ramirez
Banco de Oro (BDO)
0022 8600 2637
Strays Worth Saving–SWS
“Encouraging everyone to DONATE please, it won’t make you less,” the SPAR said in a reshare.
Last December, SPAR reported that some cats in the NBP were allegedly eaten by inmates and maltreated by certain guards, who were said to have placed the animals in sacks to remove them from the facility.
“Bilibid employees have allowed this situation to continue for so long that animal cruelty has been happening on government property,” the animal organization said before.
“Animal welfare groups have been contacted, including Animal Kingdom Foundation, but they need evidence. Getting evidence is very dangerous for inmates. Inmates fear they could be killed if they try to record or report abuse,” SPAR added.
