ISSUE
This advocacy is about the harsh reality for our furry friends. Their vulnerable, voiceless lives being exposed in harsh weathers, no permanent shelter, hunger, diseases that they can’t even see, and even sometimes, human abuse. Everyday, these animals wake up in a world where nobody cares whether they live or die. Despite this, these creatures still cling to life—- their tiny paws always moving from one desperate moment to the next, silently begging for kindness, shelter, or a meal that too often never comes. This is about the lives that are seen but often neglected by humans, we are their voice for their silent battles and hardships, because their lives also matter.
In light of these claims, let us face the facts. According to FOUR PAWS International (2025), there are over 200 million stray animals around the world. The Philippines alone is already said to have around 12 million strays as stated by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (as cited in Philippine News Agency, 2024). These animals wander around seeking for human compassion as survive each day suffering from hunger, no shelter, lack of medical care, abuse and neglect, and high exposures to diseases, weakening their health. PAWS also reported that they receive a number of cases of animal cruelty every year. Cases like abandonment, physical abuse and even illegal dogfighting, indicates that abuse is widespread in the Philippines. The welfare of all animals suffer from this ongoing issue, and if we continue to neglect them, it will only become increasingly prevalent. More than anything, this crisis not only affects them, but also poses risks to us, especially in health-related forms.