Hotel in Tagaytay accused by netizen of chaining, drugging tiger for tourists to pet

A concerned citizen has taken to social media to report on an alleged case of animal abuse at the Residence Inn Tagaytay.

Nina Perez Gaite posted a photo of a tiger that she claims was drugged and chained next to the reception area "so people can pay P50 ($1) to pet him."

A number of other animals — another tiger, lions, miniature ponies, and a camel — were reportedly also being kept in filthy cages.

GMA News Online reached out to Residence Inn Tagaytay, but was unable to reach the hotel's managers for comments.

Residence Inn Tagaytay is part of the Zoomanity Group, which also runs Zoobic Safari in Zambales, Paradizoo Theme Farm in Cavite, and Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Pampanga.

A change.org petition was filed in 2014 by Samantha Powell. She made similar claims about lions and tigers being kept in "dog-sized cages" and fed bread.

She additionally said that a "white lion is kept in another dog sized cage in the middle of the zoo without water all day" and that the tigers weren't being given water for drinking.

"The other wild animals such as the camels, Bulls, goats, rabbits, different type of wild birds are also kept outdoors in run down cages with no shelter, water or food," she continued.

Over 1,700 people signed the petition before it was delivered to the Zoomanity Group.

Powell in an update in 2015 said that the complaint has reached animal rights groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and World Animal Protection.

In response, PETA Asia vice president of International Campaigns Jason Baker called for the release of the animals from Residence Inn Tagaytay.

"With so many wonderful ways to enjoy the environment in Tagaytay, I can't understand why anyone would want to see animals suffer like this tiger. PETA's message has always been for everyone to stay away from animal exhibitors because their goal is to make money, not to be kind to animals," Baker said in a statement sent to GMA News Online via email on Sunday.

He continued, "When these animals are not drugged and propped up for tourist photos, they are usually kept in small dirty cages and/or chained. It’s a lifetime of suffering, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The idea of running, playing or being with their families is a distant memory. It's time for Residence Inn Tagaytay and others to get with the times and provide entertainment that promotes compassion and not suffering. The Inn needs to let the animals out!" —ALG/BM, GMA News