The Local Government of Masbate strongly condemns the alleged feeding of cats to snakes at a private zoo. This condemnation follows a viral video on TikTok from an unidentified account, which shows a cat next to a large python and suggests that the cat is being fed to the snake.
The Masbate LGU immediately reacted to the alarming incident reported at the private local zoo. The City Veterinary Office of Masbate, led by OIC Dr. Celso Rosero, launched an investigation to gather information about the private zoo.
During their visit to the Mini Zoo, the City Veterinary Office found only a dead chicken in the snake cage and no cat. To verify the legality of the zoo, the veterinary office coordinated with the Bureau of Animal Industry, Animal Welfare Division, and DENR to check if the zoo has the necessary permits to operate.
The LGU requests the person who filmed the video to contact the city government about the video taken on June 17. The city government promises to ensure that anyone guilty of feeding a cat to a snake will be punished according to the law.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also condemned the alleged cruelty at the private zoo. PAWS insists that those responsible for the incident should be held accountable for violating the Animal Welfare Act. The organization asserts that cruelty to animals is indicative of a broader tendency toward criminal behavior.
“PAWS condemns this act of cruelty and wishes to commend the Masbate City Government for taking quick action in the investigation of this crime. People responsible for this crime must be held accountable under The Animal Welfare Act.” said in a statement.
“We are confident that Masbate officials are going to do a thorough investigation and file the necessary criminal complaints against the administrators of this Zoo and the person directly responsible for placing the cat in the enclosure.” PAWS added.