Furry rights

I find it such impeccable timing when the issue of a pet crematorium in Luzon was made known to the public. Just as the entire country is remembering their departed loved ones, we hear the stories of mishandled departed pets who are also part of the family. Furious fur parents resorted to social media to express their frustration when they discovered that the remains they received were not from their pets. Instead, it smelled and felt like cement or some sort of material likened to ash. The real remains were found dumped in open lots in Bulacan, with the bodies inside clear plastic bags. It bore the names and weights of the animals who were once part of their families. It was feeling the pain all over again, this time the cut is deeper due to injustice.

As a mom of two cute cats, the story also tugs my inner feelings. I, too, do not want my furry creatures, whom I treat as family, to just be dumped by the side of the street. It is actually an act of abuse and deceit. While the crematorium said that there is no evidence linking the discoveries to them, should it be proven, they have a lot to face. It seems like they are just taking money from vulnerable individuals and not giving them what they actually paid for. That in itself is a fraud, an act that is punishable by law.

The discovery of 26 dogs and three cats in plastic bags in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, is a heartbreaking reminder that grief can be exploited. The crematorium, based in Bacoor, Cavite, has since been ordered closed by the local government amid the investigation. Authorities are also looking into complaints from pet owners who say they paid for a dignified farewell.

Fraud can take on many forms. From misdeclared goods coming into the country, or the scope of the flood-control projects, and many more. When the intent to take advantage by falsifying documents is done, the wrong deed is also done. It makes things worse because they are messing with little lives that made an impact on their family's lives. I'm pretty sure those who availed of their service are on their feet now, eager to punish them with lawsuits.

What makes this particular case even more disturbing is that it involves the final moments of a relationship. A pet's death is already painful enough. The process of saying goodbye, choosing cremation, and receiving the ashes is supposed to offer comfort. It is the last thing a fur parent can do for a companion who has given years of unconditional love. To discover that this farewell may have been a lie is to be robbed of that closure.

I hope that this case will not be treated as just another viral issue that will eventually fade from our timelines. There must be accountability, and there must be safeguards for those who entrust their pets to aftercare services. Our pets may not speak our language, but they have become part of our lives in ways that words cannot explain.