The authorities permanently closed a mini zoo in Masbate after they went viral for using stray cats as food for their snakes.
A zoo visitor recorded the video, which showed the visibly frail cat waiting, sitting beside the snake inside one of the establishment’s enclosures.
On June 19, 2024, the City Veterinarian Office of Masbate permanently closed the mini zoo and announced that they would launch an investigation to know how they were allowed to operate.
“The following day, which is today, June 19, 2024, the City Veterinarian Office and staff from Business Permit Licensing Office had a discussion with the zoo’s owner. After a thorough assessment and collaboration with concerned agencies, a decision was made to permanently close the zoo and turnover all animals to the appropriate authorities,” the statement read.
“In response, the City Government of Masbate pledged to enforce stricter regulations and conduct regular inspections to ensure that all facilities not only the animal ones meet high care standards. This effort aims to prevent similar incidents and foster a culture of compassion and responsibility towards all living creatures,” it added.
Netizens believed that the mini zoo was doing the said illegal acts for a long time to save money for their operation.
Meanwhile, the zoo’s caretaker claimed that the cat escaped the cage, but he couldn’t present any evidence to prove it.