Animal rights group teams up with DSWD

THE Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc. (AKF) has signed an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Regio (DSWD-CAR) to partner future projects for the local community.

The DSWD recognizes the voluntary involvement of non-government organizations (NGO) in sharing knowledge, skills, and resources in implementing social programs and services.

DSWD-CAR Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso welcomed the efforts of the foundation saying it is a good opportunity to guide parents and reinforce positive values in the family.

The AKF has given its commitment to participate in family development sessions.

Public discussions on responsible pet ownership, Rabies awareness, and dog bite prevention will be conducted in coordination with municipal links and various barangays in Baguio and La Trinidad.

This project initially aims to reach about 1,600 parents from different household beneficiaries under the DSWD.

AKF President Charles Wartenberg said this is the first time that animal welfare concepts are introduced to the DSWD.

“We hope that by helping parents inculcate proper values to their children, these children will grow up to become responsible and caring individuals later on,” he added.

“We wish to discuss animal welfare issues at the family level so that initial knowledge of children will come from their parents,” said AKF lawyer Heidi Caguioa.

She also said there are detrimental consequences when children are exposed to animal cruelty at home.
“Abusing or killing family pets can cause severe emotional distress to children. It violates RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act,” she said.

Animal Kingdom Foundation, which is the local affiliate of the International Wildlife Coalition Trust based in the United Kingdom, aims to support, protect and promote animal welfare and the rights of animals; to eliminate the practice of illegal slaughter of dogs for human consumption and to introduce legislations or amendments in the existing animal welfare laws in the country. (PR)