The ever-growing population of stray cats has become a common concern in some Metro Manila areas. Not only do they occupy public areas but they also pose a threat to domesticated cats. But what we actually don’t realize is that we are the ones contributing to the overpopulation crisis. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), calls this “feral cat influx” a symptom of a bigger problem caused by pet owners who don’t spay or neuter their pets and those who keep buying or breeding animals instead of adopting owned pets.
However, despite the many efforts to lower the number of these free-roaming cats, public figures such as Tutti Caringal (6cyclemind frontman and Councilor of Cabuyao, Laguna) seems to have had a different method in mind. On a private Facebook group called “Best of the Best Manila“, an online user posted a question, asking members the “best humane way” to stop stray cats from hanging or living in the garden. Without thinking about the consequences of his action, Caringal confidently chimed in the conversation, saying: “Bought an airgun just for that.”
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Online users took to Twitter and Facebook to air their dismay at his behavior. Some members even reminded him to read Sec. 6 of RA 8485 (also known as Animal Welfare Act) that states “killing of the animals shall be done through humane procedures at all times.” Meanwhile, fans #cancelledt 6cyclemind and swore not to listen to the band’s songs anymore.
Caringal drew flak after the distasteful comment
After the issue had blown up, Caringal finally explained his side. In an attempt to clear the air, he posted a screenshot from one of his notes, together with a lengthy caption.
“Hi guys. Looks like the cat issue is getting out of hand and I’m sure all of you would like to hear my side. I will give you 2 explanations. A long detailed one and a short and simple one. Here’s the long one: May isang facebook group ang pangalan Best of the Best. Ang posts dun ay “Where is the best place to eat steak? What is the best way to fix my car?” etc. So may nag post “What is the best humane way to get rid of stray cats living in your backyard?” Mga pusang gala kumbaga. Nagcomment ako. Sabi ko “I BOUGHT AN AIRGUN JUST FOR THAT.” Wala akong binanggit na namamaril ako ng pusa mismo. In fact, I even explained na lupa binabaril ko or yung basurahan para magulat yung cat. That’s basically it. Diko na pinahaba, i deleted the post nalang,” explained Caringal.
And then he went on to say, “Here’s the short and direct to the point explanation: I DID NOT NOR HAVE I EVER NOR DO I INTEND TO SHOOT OR HURT ANY CAT OR ANIMAL. Though crass and distasteful, they were meant to be JOKES. Those who know me would know and understand my humor. That being said, I apologize for being offensive, especially to our four-legged friends. Thank you and Happy New Year to all. Rakenrol.”
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Although Caringal already mentioned that he either shoots the ground or trash bins to scare off stray cats, his followers remain hostile towards him. “And did you know that there is also a so-called page saying ‘How to make palusot after being bashed?’ talk it to the moon.. Walang maniniwala sa’yo,” one Instagram user commented.
With a number of people bashing the singer-turned-politician on social media, it appears that the issue is not likely to die soon. Let’s just hope that Caringal learned a new lesson out of this—and that is “think before you click.”
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