CEBU, Philippines — Hoping to not just fight for the rights of people, a group of Law students has chosen to help an animal shelter in Cebu as they recognize animals, especially strays, as one of the neglected groups in society requiring urgent help.
Last Sunday, Militis Lex, a fraternity from the University of San Carlos College of Law, turned over 100 kilograms of dog food to Happy Tails Shelter, an animal shelter in Compostela with over a hundred dogs rescued from streets and different pounds.
This initiative was made possible through the support of the USC College of Law Lex Circle and media partners The FREEMAN and BANAT News.
Hazel Aguisanda, founder of Happy Tails Shelter, welcomed the initiative as she highlighted the complexities of rescuing strays and how support from the community is such a huge help.
“When rescuing a dog, dili lang na siya mag-rescue and diretso sa shelter but they undergo medication sa vet clinic,” Aguisanda said.
She added that while shelters also feed community animals, their resources are limited, requiring collective support from the public. Aguisanda noted that the low adoption rate of local dogs or “aspins” exacerbates the issue.
“In a month, there are 0% adoptions,” she emphasized.
Instances of animal neglect, such as abandoning adopted pets or using dogs for inhumane purposes, also remain alarming concerns.
Militis Lex had a donation drive in collaboration with USC Law Lex Circle, for the project where it raised ?10,000, used to purchase the 100 kilograms of dog food.
“This is the first time the organization has conducted a donation drive for animals,” said Christian Guevarra, head of the initiative, “the reason why the team chose animals is because they are one of the voiceless community.”
The food donation was turned over to Happy Tails Shelter yesterday. The shelter currently houses 150 dogs and 30 cats, with facilities in Compostela and Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Shelters like Happy Tails, which also care for disabled animals, emphasize the need for sustained support. Recent reports suggest that overcrowding in city pounds has led to the euthanizing of older and sickly dogs. Initiatives like Militis Lex's donation drive aim to alleviate these challenges and provide hope for strays in need. — (FREEMAN)