As Filipinos observe physical distancing and keep indoors until April 30, hundreds of urban-dwelling animals have been left forgotten. These animals usually rely on people and passersby for food. Now that everybody is stuck at home, the ownerless strays are left to fend for themselves.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which had their hands full rescuing stranded animals at the height of the Taal Volcano eruption in January, is once again braving the frontlines to find and help displaced animals.
"Our rescue team isn't letting COVID-19 stop them from helping animals—including those rescued from Taal-during the Metro Manila lockdown," said Nirali Shah of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia in a press statement.
"While Filipinos are social distancing and keeping indoors, PETA's rescue team is on the streets of Metro Manila, feeding and rescuing injured and sick animals. The lockdown has forced the local veterinary clinic to close its doors to the public, but our team thankfully still has access to it."
PETA is also coordinating with foster pet parents who can take in the animals during the quarantine. They have distributed more than 900 kilos of dog food to guardians who are unable to afford it or can't access supermarkets because of the travel restrictions.
According to PETA, their team members are taking every precaution recommended by health authorities, including practicing physical distancing, wearing gloves, and frequent handwashing, while giving animals the attention and care that they desperately need.
If you're unable to care for your pets during the quarantine or if you encounter an animal in need of urgent care, you can text or call PETA’s emergency response line at 0999-888-7382.
Main photo from CharlesLeslieJr / Pixabay; for illustrative purposes only.