With pet ownership in the country on the rise, Binibining Pilipinas 2020 candidate Alexandra Mae Rosales of Calamba, Laguna encouraged the public to be responsible pet owners.
“Many people lack awareness on animal care. Hanggang ngayon, may thinking pa rin ang iba na unahin ang tao dahil hayop lang ‘yan. They are living creatures given to us by God,” Rosales told the Manila Bulletin in an interview. “I believe God gave animals to us so that we can take care of them, not to exploit them.”
She added that animals, too, have feelings. And as humans, it is their job to protect them. Aside from that, she also slammed products that tests on animals.
“There are make-up brands that use animals for testing such as lipstick and eye shadows. I don’t patronize make-up brands that test on animals,” Rosales said. “It’s a hidden issue and not many people know that. I hope these should be stopped. Many animals are exploited for research.”
The 23-year-old said she is a volunteer for the Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) Welfare Philippines in Mandaluyong City. She also has seven cats and three dogs.
“Some of them were adopted stray cats. Others were sold to us. Kawawa naman sila kung itatapon lang. We don’t put them in cages. They just roam in our place,” she said.
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