Abuse, neglect, abandonment: what can I do?

Scenario: You see a dog or cat that has been, or is currently being, abused, tortured, neglected, abandoned or killed. In cases of neglect or abandonment, you have reason to believe the animal has an owner/guardian and isn't a stray. You want to help but you don't know what to do.

What you can do:

Please read and thoroughly familiarize yourself with these steps so you'll know exactly what to do when you see a case of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment or a cat or dog being butchered or eaten. The purposes are both to help the animal if possible and to punish the perpetrators, the latter so that people may start thinking twice before abusing an animal, which will help to prevent future pain and suffering.

1. Get involved. Investigate, gather evidence and file a complaint with the police. Don't be frightened, shy, or reluctant to cause trouble for someone. Remember, you're doing this to help the animal or prevent this from happening to other animals in the future: you have to speak for God's creatures who can't speak for themselves. If the crime is happening right now (i.e. a living dog or cat being tortured, butchered, or a dog or cat being eaten) call 117 immediately, get the name and badge number, if applicable, of the person you spoke to, and then take pictures and document everything for evidence while waiting for the police to arrive. FYI: the PNP Dog Meat Trade hotline number is (02) 723-0401 to 0420. If the animal is still alive please click here to see what you can do to help, in addition to following the steps on this page.

2. Take pictures as these are hard evidence to present the police to get them to investigate, and document everything. Get the names of the people involved. If they won't tell you their names get their job titles if its at a workplace, their detailed physical descriptions (sex, height, weight, complexion, age, build (heavy, thin, medium), clothing description, hair style and length, any wounds/scars/tattoos/eyeglasses/other identifying marks or features). Ask witnesses and bystanders if they know the suspects' names, where they live, etc. Take the suspects' pictures if possible. Get the names and cell phone numbers of witnesses. If the animal is dead, note the exact location of the body: a body is physical evidence that can be used in court. Important: in cases of abuse or neglect get the name of the animal's owner if possible. If your cell phone has audio or voice recording ability you may record your conversations with suspects and witnesses to play back for the police as further evidence.

3. File a report with the barangay tanods, the city police or, if in the province, with the PNP. The actual witness (you) has to be the one filing the report. You may note on your report that you represent Island Rescue Organization, but IRO cannot file a report for you. You must be able to present evidence (i.e. pictures) when filing a report: this will force the police agency to investigate. You may go to the police station or barangay hall to file your complaint, but do so as soon as you can: don't wait for hours or days.

4. Get a copy of the report. Get the name, badge number (if they have one) and telephone number of the officer who took your report, and also that of the officer who will follow it up. Get the case number.

5. Follow up by contacting the city or provincial veterinarian as well as contacting IRO. If necessary, IRO's attorney will follow up and ensure that the case is investigated and pursued.

Sadly, IRO cannot solve all problems regarding stray or injured dogs and cats and cannot take in all strays. At present, the shelter is at full capacity. As an NGO volunteer group, IRO has limited resources and is grossly undermanned, relying on the donations, help and compassion of animal lovers and volunteers like you. Click here to contact us if you would like to volunteer or donate. (Not all strays are actually in need of rescuing. Many are perfectly happy where they are, but could just use a good meal and some water.)

IRO also cannot take in dogs and cats whose guardians wish to give up or abandon them for whatever reason. What IRO can do is offer behavior training advice (for those who wish to give up their dogs due to their pets' behavior issues), and can assist in rehoming.

The stray dog population in your area can be reported to the city pound or city municipality if the strays are causing a problem.

This information has been screened by IRO's legal advisors and is offered as advice only. Neither Island Rescue Organization, Inc. (IRO), its board, officers, volunteers and/or members may be held liable or responsible in any way whatsoever for any injuries, illnesses, damages or deaths resulting from following the advice given in this article.