Probe on after cat allegedly fed to snake at Masbate zoo

A video showing a cat allegedly being fed to a snake at a zoo in Masbate City has sparked outrage on social media, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

The video, which has garnered negative reactions, shows a cat inside a snake's enclosure. Many viewers believe the cat was fed to the snake deliberately.

In response, the Masbate City local government, along with the Provincial Veterinarian and Provincial Agriculture Office, conducted an ocular inspection.

Fructosa Perez, the zoo owner, denied the allegations, stating that the cat was placed in the enclosure by a visitor who then filmed it for content.

"Wara akong kasalan kaan, siguro, wara akong sala sana kay idtong tawo na nagkaag kadi, amo nagbugtak sana na meya, kay ang purpose siguro niya ibubutang niay sa kwan kasi vlogger siya," Perez said.

If it is proven that the cat was indeed fed to the snake, those responsible could face charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

"Hindi naman kasi siya consider na pinapakain kasi ano siya, consider[ed] siya as companion animal o pet animal, so hindi dapat pinapakain yung pusa sa ganitong ahas," Dr. Wen Laurio, President of Veterinary Masbatenyo and from the Provincial Veterinarian Office, said.

Temporary closure

During the inspection, authorities discovered that the zoo lacked the necessary permits. While the zoo had applied for an amusement establishment permit in 2018, it never received approval.

"Sa pagsasaliksik din namin, na-found out din namin na wala din palang business permit and establishment or kinukonsider as a parang ammusement park yun," Dr. Celso Rosero, Officer in Charge of the City Veterinary Office, said.

The LGU has ordered the temporary closure of the zoo while the investigation continues as of this writing. —GMA Regional TV