Biyaya Animal Care stands at the forefront of transforming companion animal welfare in the Philippines. Committed to rescuing and protecting abused, neglected, and mistreated animals, Biyaya also addresses the veterinary needs of pet owners.
Their mission is clear: to create a #StrayFreeRabiesFreePhilippines by 2030.
With 3,332 animals rescued, 100,510 total kapon (neutering), 411 adoptions, and 41,517 low-cost kapon clinics, Biyaya’s impact is evident. Their efforts also include 3,557 Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) procedures and outreach programs benefiting 55,436 individuals.
“Animal welfare is human welfare; you cannot interchange the two,” said Rina Ortiz, co-founder of Biyaya Animal Care, in an interview with Manila Standard at their Mandala Park Branch in Mandaluyong.
Ortiz emphasized the importance of animal welfare for human well-being, highlighting the risks posed by free-roaming dogs and cats in transmitting diseases in rural areas. “Vaccinating dogs is cheaper than humans, and it’s essential to protect both from rabies,” Ortiz noted.
Biyaya Animal Care also addresses the need for responsible pet ownership. “Stray dogs are not the only cause of rabies, irresponsible pet owners are also responsible,” Ortiz stated. Dogs should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies, especially if they live in close contact with humans.
Biyaya’s work extends beyond rescue to advocating for responsible pet ownership. The organization stresses the importance of proper care and registration of pets to avoid abandonment and disease spread. “Responsible pet owners limit the number of animals they can care for,” Ortiz said. A growing number of people are putting up their own shelters, but many remain unregistered.
Guidelines for running animal shelters, proper regulation, and financial accountability are essential to ensure the well-being of animals. Ortiz pointed out the need for efficient shelter management to prevent disease transmission and ensure animals’ health.
Learning from difficult experiences is important, Ortiz said, emphasizing the need for sustainability in their model by limiting the number of rescues.
Their efforts also include promoting veterinary services through collaboration. Apart from offering an animal handling course in Cavite, Biyaya Animal Care is also proposing collaboration with Central Luzon State University’s veterinary school for disease study. “We are aiming to promote veterinary services with our available facilities and animal cases,” Ortiz said.
Biyaya Animal Care’s dedication to improving animal welfare in the Philippines continues to inspire positive change, underscoring the interconnection between animal and human welfare. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion and the impact of dedicated advocacy in creating a better world for both animals and humans.
