Authorities and animal advocates are now on the hunt for a mysterious dog killer in the south of Cebu. Residents at the area took videos of the dogs squealing in pain as foam surrounded their mouths. They also found a blue substance which they strongly think was used in the poisoning. Some 50 dogs have died gruesomely.
I have seen the videos myself and they are heartbreaking. These animals, who did not choose to be alive or to be strays, suffered cruelty. In any angle of the situation, they do not deserve it. The Island Rescue Organization explained that dogs who are hungry often wander to find food. They wouldn't end up like that had they had a home and a family to take them in. It doesn't have to be a massive killing spree.
That is why there is the advocacy of adopting and not shopping. There are a lot of dogs in the streets that need love and care. They may not look elegant as purebreds, but they are still dogs. They are those furry creatures that get excited when you arrive, obey your commands, and look after you in times of danger. I know, because we also have a rescued dog. He may not have the perfect body build and coat, but his loyalty is incomparable.
Yet regardless of breed, kind, type, is the basic understanding that animals shouldn't be harmed. They exist because they are part of the ecosystem that we live in. Domesticated animals shouldn't even be in the city or suburbs; it is still the doing of man that they have reached these areas. There is always the choice to take them in, not be scared of them for what they can do. They have feelings too.
Whoever is behind his crime should pay for it. He or she may probably be hiding right now, or worse, have no remorse for the deed. However, the law is clear. Anybody proven to have maltreated, harmed, and killed any animal will be held criminally liable. Let's not talk about how slow the wheels of justice are. They can always be expedited by the huge number of people who are advocates for these animals.
This person can channel his anger and fear into something else, not kill. If the suspect could not stand the sight of dogs, then the best thing to do is to remove oneself from the area. We can live harmoniously with them, if we just learn how to coexist. That's just like having neighbors around. You really don't get to choose them, but you can work your way around to just being civil.
I hope the dogs lost down south will be given justice. They aren’t just animals with four limbs and a cute face, they are also living creatures. Truth be told, they have not done anything wrong. Their bad side only comes out when they are triggered, just like us humans too. After all, we come from the same kingdom.