PAWS, celebs oppose Sara Duterte's plan to kill 100 cows for prayer rally
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) earlier today condemned the reported plan of Vice President Sara Duterte to slaughter 100 cows as part of its prayer rally against corruption in the Philippines.
“PAWS strongly condemns the reported plan of Vice President Sara Duterte to slaughter 100 cows as part of a ceremony to protest corruption among Philippine officials.
”While we share the public’s frustration at corruption and the urgent need for accountability in government, killing innocent animals is not and should never be the answer. Cows, like all animals, are sentient beings capable of suffering. To use their lives as mere symbols in a political protest is cruel and deeply misguided,” PAWS wrote in its statement posted on Facebook.
The animal rights group said that the act not only “inflicts needless suffering” but also sends a “dangerous message” about justice and reform achieved through violence and destruction.
“We call on Vice President Duterte to immediately withdraw this plan and to explore ethical, non-violent forms of protest that do not exploit or harm animals. We urge public officials and the Filipino people to reject any action that normalizes animal cruelty under the guise of political expression. Real change cannot be built on the suffering of the vulnerable. It must be built on justice, integrity, and compassion — for people and animals alike,” PAWS ended its statement.
Reports on the plan to kill a hundred cow surfaced on Thursday.
Duterte is quoted to have said that the slaughter of the cows will be part of a prayer gathering today at the Rizal Park in Davao City.
Actress Carla Abellana, a vocal supporter of animal rights, reposted a news item about Duterte’s plan.
“Prayer should NEVER come at the cost of 100 innocent lives,” the actress wrote on Instagram.
Thousands are currently in Luneta and EDSA Shrine to protest against corruption, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on September 21, 1972.
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