Activists mourn passing of caged animals in Manila pet stores

Photo courtesy of Animal Save Movement

MANILA, Philippines — Animal rights activists gathered on Wednesday in front of a market in Manila to express deep sorrow and outrage over the death of numerous animals in pet shops within the area due to floods brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and the recent tropical cyclones.

According to the activists, the tragic death of many pets kept in cages “underscores the urgent need for a compassionate shift in society’s perspective toward animals, advocating for their liberation rather than commercial exploitation.”

“The recent tragedy at the Arranque Market highlights the violence that is normalized in animal use. When nonhuman animals are used like property—mere objects that people can profit from—their lives are treated as disposable,” said Nancy Siy, one of the animal rights activists.

READ: Peta urges public: Don’t leave pets behind amid rain, floods

Every cat, dog, fish, rabbit, cow, pig, chicken, pigeon, etc, is a sentient being whose life is precious. We can end this cycle of violence by going vegan and by pushing for policy changes that incentivize plant-based living over animal use,” she added.

In a joint statement issued by Animal Save Movement, the activists revealed that the rains brought by recent weather disturbances caused waist-deep flooding in pet shops. They said the malfunctioning water pump caused the flood to persist for over two days, leading to the death of caged animals such as dogs, rats, fish, ducks, hamsters, chickens, rabbits, cats, birds, and hedgehogs, among many others.

“What many perceive as a tragic accident is, in fact, a predictable outcome when we normalize the breeding and selling of animals. It was the inevitable consequence of treating living, feeling individuals as inventory,” the activists said.

“The commodification of animals—displayed, confined, and sold like objects—strips them of their right to live free from harm and exploitation. This incident is not isolated, but part of a larger pattern rooted in speciesism: the belief that humans can dominate animals’ bodies, freedom, and lives for their use,” they further lamented.

Call for public to ‘adopt, don’t shop’

Following the deaths of countless animals, the activists pointed out that adoption would save lives and “dismantle industries that profit from exploitation.”

“Pet shops often exist to profit from the vulnerability of animals. Every purchase contributes to the ongoing suffering and exploitation experienced by millions. This is a plea for the public to reject all forms of animal use, whether for food, entertainment, clothing, sports, or cosmetics,” said Edison Yu, an advocate with Metro Manila Animal Save.

The activists likewise called on local authorities to help pet shop workers by offering them alternative sources of income. —Louie Mark Reyes, INQUIRER.net intern