AMID social media backlash, the San Juan City Local Government Unit said that they are now investigating the alleged animal neglect in their city pound during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon. 

“We are committed to identifying those responsible for this gross dereliction of duty and ensuring they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the San Juan government said in a statement.

“This investigation will be swift, comprehensive, and transparent, and we will not tolerate any attempt to obscure the truth or evade responsibility,” the Makati LGU said.

On Saturday, the animal welfare group Strategic Power for Animal Respondents (SPAR) – Philippines reported an alleged “mistreatment” and “neglect” that the animals experienced in the San Juan City Pound.

They said that the animals in the city Pound were left to drown in the flood.

The social media posts of the group SPAR showed cats and dogs locked up in cages as the floodwaters rose inside the compound. 

“Dogs slowly suffocating in floodwaters, helpless and abandoned. This inhumane treatment began long before the recent flooding, indicating a chronic and systemic problem,” SPAR said.

The animal welfare group also said that the San Juan City Pound operates as an “unregistered facility.”

The San Juan LGU assured the public that they will not tolerate “any lapses” in animal care and protection and that they will take “all necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”

Cover Photo Courtesy of Strategic Power for Animal Respondents