One of the cats in the viral cat-sacking video in Tarlac has been rescued by a concerned Filipino.
Facebook user Audrey Gy said on Tuesday, April 7, that she had offered to adopt the abused cat featured in the TikTok video, sharing she “was so desperate to rescue” the feline.
“Meet Payapa, he is now in good hands, I will personally take care of him and will have him neutered once fully recovered. Was able to rescue him tonight right after my work,” she said.
Audrey was referring to the cat which was held by the neck by a male individual in the video and thrown into a sack. It was then swung around and kicked by another individual.
She expressed gratitude to Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Noel Villanueva and other local officials for their assistance, and vowed to rescue all of the cats in the area where the video was taken.
“Hindi pa po ito nagtatapos. We will continue rescuing all the cats inside the compound, even those not seen in the video,” Audrey said.
“Akala ko wala na talaga. Akala ko empty cage ang iuuwi namin. Thank you, God. May this serve as a lesson to those who harm animals,” she added.
“Huwag din po sana tayong maging selective sa kung aling mga hayop ang pinapahalagahan natin. Moving forward, I promise to take care of Payapa, together with our other rescued cats at home,” the Facebook user continued.
Audrey also provided more details about the incident in responses to comments on her post.
According to her, none of the cats in the sack were pregnant, as contrary to earlier claims based on the TikTok clip’s text.
“Wala pong buntis na sinako, mga batang pusa po sila na dapat itapon since may pusang anak ng anak. Pero yes, may buntis pero wala siya sa nakitang in-abuse sa video. Black cat ang buntis,” she commented.
“[Five] cats in total ang nasa compound, [two] cats napagtripan. We will rescue the other [four] din po once mahuli, since ‘di po nahuli kanina,” Audrey wrote on Wednesday, April 8.
Regarding the individuals in the video, she said that the minors’ parents referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. However, she is not sure whether a case has already been filed.
Earlier this week, a TikTok video went viral with the caption: “POV (Point of View): Buntis lahat ng ligaw na pusa.”
One of the female individuals in the video was reportedly already of legal age.
ALSO READ: Backlash mounts over video of youths allegedly abusing pregnant cats in Tarlac
The video showed a cat being placed in a sack, which was then swung around and kicked by an individual.
It sparked outrage among Filipinos, who denounced the abuse and called for accountability.
Animal cruelty is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act, which states that 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 may face imprisonment and/or fines.
