Content warning: Contains descriptions of animal death
Motorists were urged to brake for animals after a one-eyed community cat in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, was killed in a hit-and-run incident.
Volunteer group Cats of McKinley announced that Juan, its beloved one-eyed feline, died after being struck at a pedestrian crossing with a speed bump.
The group said that according to a witness, the cat was run over twice.
It added that Juan suffered severe injuries and heavy bleeding before passing away at the scene.
“Juan survived life with only one eye. He had already overcome so much, only to have his life cut short because someone failed to slow down,” the group said in a post on Friday, July 31.
The group then urged motorists to observe the area’s 30 kilometer-per-hour speed limit.
“How many more lives have to be lost before drivers start respecting the speed limit?” the volunteer group said.
“Please brake for animals. They feel pain. They deserve to live. There is a 30 kph speed limit in this area, yet speeding continues to put both animals and people at risk every single day. Slow down. Stay alert. A few seconds of caution can save a life,” it added, accompanied by the hashtag “#BrakeForAnimals.”
In the comments section, the group shared a photo of the particular pedestrian crossing where Juan was killed.
The group also shared a photo of the aftermath in response to comments from some Filipinos claiming the incident may have been an “accident” and that the driver might not have seen Juan.
The group also shared a photo of the aftermath in response to comments from some Filipinos claiming the incident may have been an accident and that the driver might not have seen Juan.
“Yes, accidents can happen. But seeing the blood and remains left on the road, how can we not be angry? Juan may have been hit by accident, but the injuries were so severe that he died on the spot. We can’t help but think that if the driver had stopped and called for help, maybe Juan could have had a chance,” the group said.
“If you are a responsible driver and you hit an animal, you stop. You check. You help. You don’t just leave them bleeding on the road. We are not saying the driver intentionally killed Juan. We are saying that leaving an injured animal behind is irresponsible,” it added.
Motorists, as license holders, are expected to practice responsible driving, including slowing down and stopping when they see animals crossing the road.
“Many stray and community animals roam our streets in search of food, shelter, and safety. They do not understand traffic, but they deserve protection,” welfare group Animal Kingdom Foundation said in a post in March this year.
“A few seconds of slowing down can prevent pain, injury, and loss of life. LET’S BRAKE FOR ANIMALS,” it added.
