Animal shelter in Davao fears losing dogs, cats to city pound after closure order

A no-kill animal rescue center in Davao City recently called for help online following a closure order issued by the city health office.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Kent Abrigana, Happy Animals Club was shut down after a neighbor allegedly complained of foul smell.

The organization has denied the accusation.

“Minsan may naaamoy kami lalo na kung umuulan o mainit,” said one of the neighbors.

After the city padlocked the shelter's gates, rescuers of the organization expressed concern over the fate of the dozens of dogs and cats under their care should they be sent to the city pound.

“Nire-rehabilitate [namin sila]. Ginagamot namin sila at pinapakain hanggang sa maging malusog sila… hinahanapan ng bagong tahanan na magmamahal sa kanila. Hindi na kami pwede mag-rescue. ‘Yan ang pinakamasakit na part. Marami na kaming natanggap na rescue request. Hindi kami makakuha ng kukupkop sa kanila,” rescuer Lea Daño said.

(We rehabilitate [the rescues]. We heal them and feed them until they are healthy… we find them new homes that will love them. We can’t rescue anymore. That’s the most painful part. We’ve already received a lot of rescue requests. We can’t find anyone to adopt them.)

“Kung nasa dog impound na sila, mayroon na lamang silang 72 hours bago patayin. Kung walang magke-claim sa kanilang lahat, papatayin sila paglagpas ng 72 hours,” she added.

(If they’re at the dog impound, they are only given 72 hours. If no one claims them, they get killed after 72 hours.)

No comments have been issued by the complainant or the City Veterinary Office, while the City Health Office said that it will be conducting a meeting to discuss the issue.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News