Aside from sending rescue and disaster response equipment, the Makati city government will also assist in rescuing animals trapped in danger zones following the eruption of Taal Volcano.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay said the city will deploy an impounding vehicle to Bauan, Batangas this Sunday together with some personnel of the city Veterinary Services Department (VSD) who will turn over dog and cat food, vitamins, antibiotics, and antiseptic solutions to the Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office.
“It is important to save our pets and other animals during disasters because they are also part of our families,” Mayor Abby said.
Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas, MakatiVSD chief, said the impounding vehicle has eight cages that can accommodate up to 24 medium-sized dogs.
Several netizens have shown concern for animals left near the Taal Volcano. Photos and videos of animals, including horses and cows covered in ash, have circulated online, prompting animal rights groups and local government units to provide food and basic veterinary care for abandoned animals.
Mayor Abby earlier ordered the deployment of the city’s disaster response vehicles and equipment to Bauan to assist thousands of evacuees from localities affected by the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano.
She said the city’s Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has designated a composite team to handle the transport of a super tanker, a chemical fire truck, two penetrator fire trucks, two advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) vehicles, a mobile clinic, a mobile shower and portalet, a vacuum tanker, two mobile kitchens, and 500 jerry cans to Bauan.
Some 1,000 blankets, pails, and dippers will also be sent as her personal donation to the victims.
Taal Volcano has been spewing ash since Sunday. As of January 17, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Alert Level 4 remains in effect, which means a hazardous eruption is possible within days or hours.