Trigger Warning: Contains descriptions of alleged animal cruelty
An online uproar followed online after a video showed young individuals allegedly abusing pregnant cats by placing them in a bag and kicking them.
On Sunday, April 5, a Reddit user raised awareness of a TikTok clip showing individuals putting a cat in a sack, swinging it around, and then kicking it.
The video included the text: “POV (Point of View): Buntis lahat ng ligaw na pusa.”
It was accompanied by laughing emojis.
“This is animal cruelty. These people put a pregnant cat in a bag, threw them, and violently tossed the bag around. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” the Redditor wrote in the “r/Philippines” community.
“Please share this and help bring awareness so those responsible are held accountable. Animals deserve protection, not abuse,” the Reddit user added.
The Reddit post also identified the individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Animal abusers should go to hell
by
u/teumengene in
Philippines
“Animal abusers should go to hell,” the Redditor said.
The post has garnered around 1,400 upvotes, one award and over 200 comments from other Redditors who also condemned the clip.
A copy of the video has also circulated on Facebook.
“Nakakakilabot ‘yung pagsipa at paghampas sa pusa habang nasa sako! May mga sira na ata mga ulo ng mga ‘to. Even the toddler participated. Sana pati mga magulang, madamay sa report na ‘to,” a Reddit user wrote.
“Inhumane. What the hell???” another asked.
“Ito ‘yung mga tipo ng taong may tendency na maging serial killers. Mga walang empathy. Jusko,” a different user said.
“Justice for these poor, voiceless souls. Sana makulong ang mga POS na mas hayop pa sa mga hayop,” another Pinoy commented.
Some Facebook users also claimed to have contacted the principal of the school that some of the youths allegedly attended.
“Yeah, responsive ‘yung principal nila,” a Facebook user commented, sharing screengrabs of a conversation.
Meanwhile, the Benigno S. Aquino National High School in Concepcion, Tarlac, has released a statement regarding the incident following concerns raised by some online users.
“Based on our verification, the individuals seen in the video include Grade 7 and Grade 10 students, while the individual who posted the video is a former Grade 12 student who has already graduated from BSANHS. The Grade 10 learner involved is likewise already a completer,” it said on Monday, April 6.
“The incident reportedly occurred outside the school premises and within their respective homes,” the school added.
“Nevertheless, BSANHS strongly condemns any act of cruelty toward animals. As an institution committed to promoting the values of respect, compassion, and responsible citizenship, we do not tolerate any form of violence or harm to animals or any living being,” it continued.
The school also outlined the actions it has taken regarding its students and former students.
“Upon learning the incident, the school immediately reached out through the advisers concerned to contact the students involved and provide proper counseling and guidance. The parents were also informed and coordinated with so that appropriate guidance and disciplinary actions may be provided to their children,” it said.
“BSANHS remains committed to instilling empathy, discipline, and respect for life among all learners and members of our community. We continue to encourage everyone to practice kindness, responsibility, and humane treatment of animals, both online and offline,” the school said.
Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Noel Villanueva also said it is “closely coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary actions are undertaken within the bounds of the law.”
“We appeal to the public to remain calm, exercise discernment, and refrain from spreading unverified information or engaging in online harassment, especially involving minors. Let us instead use this incident as an opportunity to reinforce awareness on animal welfare and responsible citizenship,” he said in a statement.
“The Local Government Unit remains committed to upholding the law, protecting animal welfare, and fostering a humane and compassionate community for all,” Villanueva added.
Animal cruelty is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act, which states it is “unlawful for any person to torture any animal” and “to neglect to provide adequate care,” among other provisions.
Those found guilty of cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect can face jail time and/or fines.
