AN ANIMAL rights group is set to construct a special rehabilitation center for companion animals that experienced cruelty and abandonment.
Bantay Hayop Davao (BHD) on Saturday, March 13, formally signed a contract land lease for the construction of the BHD Davao Animal Rehabilitation Center in Mintal.
BHD said in a press release that they have been planning for the establishment of the rehabilitation center for maltreated animals for quite some time now.
"Pinangarap po nating lahat na magkaroon ng karagdagan facility para sa mga companion animals na dumaan ng cruelty at abandonment (We have all been dreaming of having an additional facility for companion animals that experienced cruelty and abandonment)," the group said.
BHD President Rovie Bullina told SunStar Davao in an online interview on Messenger that the construction of the center is another step in its goal to help address animal welfare issues in the city.
Bullina said BHD signed its contract of lease where the organization is planning to put up its rehabilitation shelter, a halfway house for animals where animals impounded and rescued will be treated and prepared for rehoming.
She added it is one of the many programs the organization is working on.
Bullina said the organization still needs all the help, such as materials for the structure and the simple medical facility that the animals need.
The organization is also looking for additional funding for the construction of the center, with its design suitable for animal welfare standards and convenient for the rehabilitation of cats and dogs.
The group encouraged those who want to send their contributions to the project to send a message in their official social media account. The group added that any contribution would be of big help in the group’s project activities.
Present during the signing of the contract is Cerberus and Dior. Cerberus was an abandoned dog, while Dior was an abandoned cat. Both pets were rescued and adopted by the group.
"Dahil para sa kanila ang ating kinikilos, hindi maaaring wala sila (We are doing this for them and we want them to be present)," BHD said.
According to BHD, it is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered organization, not only as a rescue group but also as an animal welfare organization that looks into the root cause of animal problems in the city. Bullina said they were accredited in October 2020.
“The organization’s goal is to counter stray problems, not just by rescuing but by educating the people of Davao City about the Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act [RA] 8485) and its amendments in RA 10631,” Bullina said.
She said BHD also aims to empower animal owners and make them aware of animal rights and penalties for irresponsible pet ownership.
“Rescuing and impounding does not solve the problem we face in animal welfare, in fact, it is an enabler,” Bullina said.
Among the members and volunteers include different professionals including veterinarians, lawyers, police, business owners, and even foreign nations.