Pet owners and welfare groups are now seeking help after the reported unhealthy and unhygienic condition of pets while being held at the NAIA Cargo Bay.
“‘Yun ang ikinalulungkot naming. Baka pwede ma-improve ang kondisyon nila habang inaayos ang papeles, habang kinakausap ng Bureau of Animal Industry kung ano ang talagang dapat gawin (We are saddened by that. We want to improve the condition of the animals while the papers are being processed, while communications are ongoing with the Bureau of Animal Industry),” Animal Kingdom Foundation Campaign Manager Greg Quimpo appealed.
The BAI explained that live animals with incomplete documents are considered smuggled under Administrative Order No. 9.
“Dapat yung importer, kanya naman ‘yon. May ihahanda siya na separate na quarantine site para doon oobserbahan ng 30 days para maingatan yung mga ibang hayop pati mga tao sa Pilipinas. Baka kasi may zoonotic disease yan (The importer should prepare a separate quarantine site for the 30-day observation as precaution for other animals and people. They may have a zoonotic disease),” BAI OIC Dr. Ronnio Domingo emphasized.
Under the administrative order, unpermitted animals may be returned to the country of origin, sent to other countries that accept such animals, or may be surrendered to the agency for confiscation and proper disposal.
Due to stringent guidelines, the agency admitted that they have received bribe offers from commercial importers.
The BAI expressed willingness to improve guidelines for the welfare of animals, but insisted that pet owners and importers should be responsible for caring for them.
– Report from Naomi Tiburcio
