CEBU CITY – A group of animal welfare advocates has expressed concern over increasing reports of puppies and kittens being used as live feed for pet snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles.
ANIMAL welfare advocates in Cebu have raised concerns over reports that puppies and kittens are being fed to pet snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles. (Contributed photo)
Hazel Aguisanda, president of the Alliance of Animal Advocates and founder of Happy Tails Philippines, revealed that some snake owners are posing as adopters of kittens and puppies but are actually using them as food for their pets.
She urged those putting rescued animals up for adoption to carefully screen potential adopters.
According to Aguisanda, these individuals often join online groups dedicated to cats and dogs where rescuers post about animals in need of homes.
They reach out to rescuers, sometimes even offering to adopt multiple animals, and may also post requests for puppies and kittens, deceiving desperate rescuers into giving up their animals.
Aguisanda voiced concerns over reports that a facility housing crocodiles as a tourist attraction has been feeding kittens and puppies to these reptiles.
She emphasized that these acts violate animal welfare laws and warned that the alliance is taking steps to address the issue, including pursuing legal action against violators.
They have started coordinating with local government officials to curb these inhumane practices and ensure the proper enforcement of animal protection laws.
The alliance was organized in September 2024 with the key objective of pushing for stronger animal protection laws and policies while working with government agencies to ensure the enforcement of existing animal welfare regulations.