MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima on Sunday has called on the government to draw up a program to rescue and transport pets and livestock left behind upon the onslaught of manmade and natural disasters or calamities.

De Lima made the call after she learned that apart from the pet dogs and cats, other animals, such as horses, carabaos, and other livestock, have either died or suffered severe burns following the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

“I join the plea of animal rights organizations and rescue volunteers to save the animals left behind in the areas severely affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption. It breaks my heart to see these pets and animals helplessly suffering and dying,” she said.

“We need to revisit our national disaster preparedness program to include the animals, including strays, who may need to be rescued, fed, and transported to safe grounds, especially those from owners who were forced to leave them,” she added.

Animal welfare group, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), has sought for donations of cow feed, chicken feed, dog food, cat food, bottles of water, and pet bowls for their relief operations.

(STACY ANG/IAMIGO/Currentph.com)