Philippine Animal Rescue Team (P.A.R.T.)

With the number of earthquakes reported across different parts of the country, now is a good time to make sure our pets are included in our emergency plans.

While we cannot predict when and where the next one will happen, we can take steps now to better protect both people and animals.

🐾 Keep collars, ID tags, and microchip information up to date.
🐾 Keep carriers, leashes, and harnesses readily available for emergency evacuation if your home becomes unsafe.
🐾 Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and copies of important veterinary records.
🐾 Make sure every member of the household knows what to do and where to go during an emergency.

If an earthquake occurs, remember:

⬇️ DROP to your hands and knees.
🛡️ COVER your head and neck and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk if available.
✋ HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

If your pet is already with you and can be safely handled, keep them close and take cover together. However, frightened animals may panic, struggle, scratch, or bite even when they would not normally do so. Do not risk injury to yourself or your pet by chasing or forcibly restraining a panicked animal during the shaking.

If your pet slips away or refuses to be handled, focus on protecting yourself first. Many animals will instinctively seek their own place of safety. As soon as the shaking stops, check on your pets immediately and secure them, as frightened animals may hide, escape through damaged gates or doors, or become disoriented.

Many pet owners and animal caretakers have reported unusual animal behavior before earthquakes. While there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence that animals can reliably predict earthquakes, there is no harm in paying attention if your pets or livestock suddenly become unusually restless, agitated, or fearful for no apparent reason. However, preparedness should never depend on animal behavior alone.

And let's not forget the animals who have no homes to shelter in. Community dogs and cats are especially vulnerable during disasters. After the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside, take a moment to check on the strays in your neighborhood. A little kindness can go a long way for animals who have nowhere else to turn.

We can't predict earthquakes, but we can be prepared.

May nagsabing OA daw kami sa pagsasabing dumaraan sa "hard labor" o mabigat na trabaho ang mga kalabaw.

Kung ang isang tao ang hahatak ng araro sa putikan sa ilalim ng matinding sikat ng araw, tatawagin natin itong napakabigat na trabaho.

Kung ang isang tao ang hihila ng kariton na puno ng ani sa malalayong distansya araw-araw, tatawagin din natin itong napakabigat na trabaho.

Bakit OA ang sabihin na mabigat na trabaho din ito para sa isang kalabaw?

Ang paghila ng araro sa putikan, paghatak ng mabibigat na karga, at pagtatrabaho sa ilalim ng matinding init ng araw sa loob ng maraming taon ay napakabigat na trabaho sa sinumang gumagawa nito.

Tulad ng tao, ang mga kalabaw ay napapagod din. Nakararamdam din sila ng init, gutom, uhaw, sakit, at pagkapagod.

Sa loob ng maraming henerasyon, tumulong silang mag-araro ng ating mga bukirin, maghakot ng ating mga ani, at sumuporta sa kabuhayan ng maraming pamilya.

At matapos ang mga taon ng paglilingkod, sana ay hindi natin sila ituring na wala nang silbi kapag sila ay tumanda. Sana ay hindi sila humantong sa katayan matapos nilang gugulin ang halos buong buhay nila sa pagtulong sa tao.

Ang hinihingi lamang natin ay isang simpleng bagay: na sila rin ay tratuhin nang may malasakit, paggalang, at habag.

Dahil ang kalabaw ay hindi makina.

Sila rin ay napapagod. Sila rin ay nahihirapan. Sila rin ay dapat mahalin 🐃💚