MANILA — The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia has called on lawmakers and authorities involved in rescue missions during times of calamities  to include animals in their operations  instead of abandoning them in dangerous conditions.

PETA is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 6.5 million members and supporters.

PETA Asia rescue manager Jana Sevilla underscored that animals, whether livestock or pets, rely on humans alone for their safety.

“All lives matter. Hindi porket alagang kambing, alagang baboy, ‘Kakatayin naman, hayaan niyo na.’ Or alagang aso, ‘Marami pang aso diyan.’ Hindi po gano’n,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla said they rescued almost 150 animals from Volcano Island, which experienced the brunt of the onslaught of the Taal Volcano eruption last January 12.

Over  100 horses were also transferred to safer locations by PETA Asia.

Sevilla had lamented the condition of the animals upon their arrival at the Volcano Island.

She said that ash had solidified on the skin of some animals.

This  made the animals  more prone to sustaining wounds and bacterial infection. (S. Ang/IA/CPH)