AUTHORITIES in the northern town of Carmen, Cebu are searching for a snake keeper accused of feeding adopted puppies to snakes, following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, a video posted on Facebook showed several puppies apparently trapped in a cage with a snake. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by Carmen officials.
Tobias Villamor, Carmen’s tourism officer, told SunStar Cebu on Sunday, July 28, that security personnel have been deployed to Barangay Hagnaya to locate the snake’s owner.
“This is an isolated case, the first of its kind in Carmen,” Villamor said in Cebuano.
He added that the person who posted the video is believed to be the snake’s owner.
Villamor emphasized that legal action would be taken if the suspect is found guilty of animal cruelty.
“We will file cases and take legal actions to imprison and penalize the suspect,” he stated.
He also noted that if the keeper lacks proper permits for exotic animals, additional charges could be filed.
Annalyn Aizpuru, president of Island Rescue Organization, highlighted that the incident violates the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
“Feeding live cats or dogs [to snakes] is illegal and should not be tolerated,” Aizpuru said, urging for more responsible pet adoption practices.
She stressed that the feeding of live cats or dogs is a form of torture to them.
“Dogs and cats can feel pain and stress too. This is a warning to be careful where our puppies go, especially to irresponsible owners who abandon and neglect their pets for the sake they don’t want to take care of them anymore,” she said.
“That’s irresponsible, cruel and a crime that could endanger the lives of the animals in the hands of these offenders,” she added.
The case has raised concerns about pet safety and the need for stricter oversight in animal adoptions.
Carmen, known for its adventure park that houses various animal species, is treating the incident as a crucial matter that requires immediate attention.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward. / DPC