The joy pets give

Eastwood City was the perfect venue for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and other animal welfare groups to mark the weeklong celebration of World Animal Day from Sept. 30 to Oct. 7.

After all, Eastwood was one of the first establishments to declare itself pet-friendly in 2004.

Hosted by celebrity animal advocate Regine Tolentino, the event featured a touching candle-lighting ceremony by animal welfare group representatives.

Candles forming the words “No to cruelty” illuminated the area to remind the public of the essence of World Animal Day — man’s responsibility to prevent the infliction of harm and suffering on other living creatures.

PAWS was joined by Animal Kingdom Foundation, Compassion and Responsibility for Animals, Earth Island Institute Philippines, Feathered Friends Foundation, Network for Animals, Palawan Animal Welfare Association, PETA-Asia Pacific, Bureau of Animal Industry-Animal Welfare Division and the WWF-Philippines in making a strong statement against animal cruelty as the focal point of the international celebration.  

For the past 10 years, World Animal Day events taking place around the world have increased.

This year, international organizers appointed ambassadors for each country and picked PAWS program director Anna Cabrera as the Philippine ambassador.

“We want to make WAD as big as other international celebrations like Earth Day. Often, animals are considered only for conservation issues, but their welfare should also matter to us because compassion is an important part of our humanity.”

“Compassion and respect for all forms of life are reasons why we do things connected with other advocacies like preserving our environment and helping our fellowmen. The way we treat animals is directly connected with so many different aspects of human welfare — from health, sustainability of livelihoods, and the prevention of interpersonal violence,” Cabrera explains when asked why the celebration of World Animal Day is important.

With the recent onslaught of typhoon Ondoy, Anna underscored the importance of man’s responsibility to the animals who were also affected by the floods. “We understand the government’s priority to rescue people but we must also come back for the animals because they also deserve to be rescued.”

A video of the rescue operation at Provident Village by the PAWS Rescue Team and Dr. Neilsen Donato from Feathered Friends Foundation was presented. Lyndon, the rescued dog, later made a live appearance to the delight of the audience.

The WAD launch also featured an animal-themed photo exhibit by talented amateur photographers and a display showcasing the works of the local animal welfare groups who champion the rights of animals.

Celebrities who attended the launch were PETA’s Isabel Roces, animal lover Joey Mead with dog Noah, PAWS celebrity volunteer Lander Vera Perez and Are You The Next Big Star’s Alexa Ortega.

“Eastwood is happy to support the advocacy of animal welfare groups and to celebrate WAD with them as we have always put emphasis on the special bond shared by humans and their animal companions,” said Kevin Tan, Megaworld division head, expressing happiness at the launch’s good turnout. “This is what we also want to foster here at Eastwood City as we are considered the first and truly pet-friendly mall in the country, having opened our doors to animal lovers and their pets as early as 2004.”

The World Animal Day launch was made possible through the generous support of Eastwood City, Old Vine, Frontline Plus, Krispy Kreme, Magnolia Pure Water, The Picture Company and the Philippine STAR Pet Life section. — Kathy Moran