The dedication of individuals and groups who rescue and care for animals in need deserves recognition and gratitude. However, with compassion must come commitment not only to the animals, but also to public health, welfare, and sustainable practices.
We are aware of the ongoing situation involving an unregistered animal shelter now facing closure due to serious public health and sanitation concerns, and allegations of neglect.
At Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), we cannot ignore the plight of the animals or the overwhelming burden shouldered by a single rescuer. While we do not condone any violation of animal welfare laws or health regulations, we also recognize that support has been extended over the years—including dog food and supplies, long before the current crisis emerged.
This issue, however, is not only about animal welfare. It is also a public health matter.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) has made multiple attempts since September 2024 to address ongoing complaints from the community about foul odor and noise from the shelter—efforts that have reportedly gone unheeded.
When AKF recently attempted to intervene—offering food and veterinary assistance—we found severe animal health concerns. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, the situation continued to deteriorate due to the alleged lack of cooperation from the shelter operator.
Rescuing animals is a noble cause — but it comes with a serious responsibility.
Foremost, the efforts of individuals and groups who rescue and care for animals in need deserve recognition and deep appreciation. Yet even the most well-intentioned efforts can face serious challenges. Such is the case with an unregistered animal shelter in Capas, Tarlac currently facing closure due to reported public health risks, sanitation problems, and possible neglect and animal welfare violations.
While we do not condone violations, we also cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the animals nor the crushing burden carried by one woman left to care for over 100 dogs, largely abandoned by those who once promised help. Since last year, AKF has been quietly extending support to this shelter through regular donations of dog food and other essential supplies from time to time. When their current crisis reached us, we immediately stepped in to provide more dog food donations.
The rescued animals should not be the ones to bear the consequences of human faults.
We feel for the lone shelter operator. This is not just her failure. It is a failure of a broken system where rescuers are praised but not supported. Where animals are “saved,” only to suffer again behind shelter gates. The situation of the shelter did not arise overnight, and it is not hers alone to bear.
Many have contributed to it intentionally or otherwise at the expense of the animals, all under the name of “rescue.”
It is important to highlight that responsibility must also be shared by the individuals and groups both local and abroad who, moved by rescue appeal stories, entrusted animals to her care under the label of “rescues.”
Someone took advantage of her compassion and emotional vulnerability, placing a heavy burden on one person without considering her capacity or preparedness. No one stopped to ask whether this lone shelter operator had the resources, support, or knowledge to care for over a hundred animals, responsibly.
This is just one story. There are a few more out there.
Lesson learned? Rescue is not about transferring suffering from the streets into cages.
We appeal to all. Rescuing is a noble cause, but it comes with a serious responsibility to ensure that animals’ welfare, health, and living conditions are never compromised. This responsibility becomes even more critical when public health is also at risk. Compassion must always be paired with accountability and responsibility.
