PAWS slams reported plan to slaughter 100 cows for Davao prayer rally
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society has condemned Vice President Sara Duterte's reported plan to slaughter 100 cows as part of an offering for the "cleansing of the country's spirit" during a Sept. 21 prayer rally.
On Sept. 17, Duterte shared a post promoting the gathering in Davao City, where they would also "pray for the release of former president Rodrigo Duterte."
"Dabawenyos will make an offering to the heavens with the slaughter of a hundred cattle for the cleansing of the country's spirit, and to pray for divine intervention to turn the Philippines into a secured and prosperous nation, where all Filipinos live in comfort and peace," her Facebook post read.
Celebrities who are animal welfare advocates Jodi Sta. Maria and Carla Abellana expressed their dismay at the news.
"Prayer should NEVER come at the cost of 100 innocent lives," Abellana wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Sta. Maria shared PETA Asia's statement on the matter.
"Animals, including these cows, have no political stance—they simply want to live... Turning their suffering into a public spectacle is cruelty, plain and simple. Taking their lives for a political stunt is shameful, and we beg those involved to reconsider," the statement read.
PAWS shared its own stance on the matter on Sept. 21.
"While we share the public’s frustration at corruption and the urgent need for accountability in government, killing innocent animals is not and should never be the answer. Cows, like all animals, are sentient beings capable of suffering. To use their lives as mere symbols in a political protest is cruel and deeply misguided," the group said.
"We call on Vice President Duterte to immediately withdraw this plan and to explore ethical, non-violent forms of protest that do not exploit or harm animals. We urge public officials and the Filipino people to reject any action that normalizes animal cruelty under the guise of political expression," it continued.
Several rallies are taking place all over the country on Sept. 21, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This year's demonstrations will see Filipinos taking to the streets to denounce corruption in anomalous flood control projects.
