BAWAW 2019: A FIGHT AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY
I’m very happy that I was able to attend the BAWAW (Bacolod Animal Welfare Awareness Week) activity held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central last week. This event was organized by Ms. Aiai Gamboa with the help of her beloved husband Councilor Wilson Gamboa, who, according to Ms. Aiai, spearheaded this event four years ago for the love and compassion of abused, neglected and abandoned animals in Bacolod City.
The event featured a kissing booth for visiting dogs and cats, a pledge booth, a Pet Got Talent contest and stalls selling food for animals and other vet products.
There were also animals that were ready for adoption. Most of them were rescued. CARE volunteers also held counseling for those who wanted to adopt them as pets.
CARE BACOLOD’S ADVOCACY
It was sometime last year when I met Aiai during a meeting of CARE (Community Animal Rescue Efforts) Bacolod where she is one of the active members. CARE BACOLOD has been helping the BAWAW event in processing animal adoption and documents, giving talks about animals and giving people insights on animal rescue awareness.
KAPON ANG SOLUSYON PROGRAM
CARE Bacolod’s main goal is to promote and educate people about spay/ neuter or KAPON in Illonggo especially in barangays where cats and dogs multiply rapidly.
LOW COST SPAY-NEUTER
Spay/ neuter is also beneficial for the health and protection of your pets so they will not go through the burden of multiple pregnancies and roam around the streets during mating season. CARE Bacolod also conducts low cost spay/neuter done by volunteer veterinarians from Manila and other parts of the country.
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
The CARE BACOLOD and BAWAW Event also stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership.
I’m a pet owner myself as I have several cats at home which I make sure are treated well with love and respect.
As a responsible pet owner, I am one with Care Bacolod in their mission to give animals a better life with their owners.
It’s us humans who chose them to be part of our lives, therefore, we MUST take full responsibility in caring for them.
DO’s and DON’TS IN OWNING A PET
DON’T –
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DON’T get a pet just because you find it cute…if you can’t take care of them, if you can’t give it time, don’t.
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DON’T feed your pet dog/cat fish bones or chicken bones, these will tear your pet’s throat and intestines.
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DON’T put your dog or cat on a leash that is too short. They need space for walking and exercise.
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DON’T contain them in a cage that is too small, they have a right to fresh air.
DO –
- Have your pets vaccinated with anti-rabies annually
- Give your lovely pets a rub, a hug assuring them of your love
- Have sufficient food and clean water every day for your dear pets
- Have them checked by a veterinarian especially when they are not well
- Give your pets prescribed vitamins
- Walk your dog every day, make time for it. If you won’t, who will?
- Play with your cats, sing to them. You’ll be surprised how your pets will appreciate your presence.
- Have your pets neutered/spayed for their health and safety and for your own peace of mind.
