Santa Cruz, Manila –ANIMAL rights activists led by the Animal Save Movement gathered on August 6, 2025 at the Arranque Market to express their deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic loss of countless animals in local pet shops during the recent flood that hit the city caused by relentless rains brought about by two Typhoons Dante and Emong.
The incident caused the deaths of many animals that were kept in cages including dogs, rats, fish, ducks, hamsters, chickens, rabbits, cats, birds, and hedgehogs.
Edison Yu, an advocate with Metro Manila Animal Save, emphasized, “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.”
The group also called for the immediate suspension of live-animal selling at Arranque Market and for the City of Manila and DA-BAI to make just and sustainable livelihoods to pet shop workers with alternative sources of income that do not involve the use and exploitation of animals, and instead promote livelihoods that are safe, sustainable, and rooted in compassion.
“Our call to action: “Adopt, don’t shop.” Countless loving animals are waiting for a forever home in shelters and sanctuaries. By choosing adoption, we not only save lives but also help dismantle industries that profit from exploitation,” Yu emphasized.
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