What is it like to be someone who can help everyone, especially our beloved strays who roam the streets in search of shelter? Or a pet that was once someone’s companion but is now abandoned? I often wonder why humans can hurt animals—why we can kill them without any sympathy. To us, it may seem easy to act on impulse, but innocent animals who have done nothing wrong often become victims of our worst instincts. This is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed, especially as cases of animal cruelty continue to rise in our country.

I have used my social media accounts countless times to help animals in need of rescue.

Animals feel pain just like we do.

Just as humans seek care in times of distress, stray animals wander the streets, desperately searching for food and safety. The population of stray animals—especially cats and dogs—is alarmingly high in the Philippines. What are the main reasons for this? Abandonment, neglect, overpopulation, and the lack of responsible pet ownership all contribute to the problem. But what’s even more concerning is the growing number of cruelty cases. Instead of being given food, shelter, and care, many of these animals face abuse and death at the hands of humans.

One particularly horrifying case that I saw online involved a dog named Tiger, who used to roam around the Subic market. A woman, without hesitation, suddenly stabbed him. He cried out in pain, vomited blood, his internal organs exposed. The first time I saw the video, I felt utterly helpless—only able to scream in the comment section. The fact that such cruelty happened in a public place with people witnessing it was deeply disturbing. I wished I could have been there to save him, to be someone who could immediately intervene, like a superhero rushing to protect the helpless. It begs the question: Why do we do this? What causes such cruelty? What drives a person to stab such an innocent animal?

I think one of the main reasons is the lack of sympathy in humans. It’s time to stand up for these animals; to be the voice they don’t have. We should take it upon ourselves to spread kindness and empathy, not just within our own circles, but in society as a whole. Every act of cruelty we ignore or tolerate only fuels this evil cycle of violence. Change starts with small steps—choosing to care, to rescue, to educate, and to hold accountable those who harm innocent beings. If we want a world where no animal suffers needlessly, we must make a conscious effort to create it.

This is where we, as humans, must step up. We need to stop animal cruelty and protect the lives of these helpless beings. The government must implement and strictly enforce laws that punish animal abusers and ensure that severe penalties are applied to those who intentionally harm or kill animals. At the same time, we must promote responsible pet ownership—educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering pets, providing proper care, and never abandoning them will help reduce the stray population. Supporting animal rescue groups and shelters through donations, volunteering, or adopting a stray can make a huge impact in giving these animals a second chance at life. 

Raising awareness through social media allows us to share stories, sign petitions, and report cases of abuse, pushing for real change that is already happening and must be strengthened. Instead of resorting to cruel methods like poisoning or killing strays, humane solutions such as Libreng Kapon programs should be encouraged to control the stray population ethically. 

Every small action we take can make a difference in an animal’s life. If we truly believe in compassion and kindness, we must extend these values to all living beings, including the voiceless ones who rely on us for their survival. Animals, like humans, feel pain, love, and fear, and should be treated equally. They deserve respect, protection, and a life free from suffering, just as we do. It’s time to end the cycle of cruelty and create a world where no animal has to suffer at the hands of humans.

Originally published in Heraldo Filipino Volume 39, Issue 2