Nearly 300 animals, mostly dogs and cats, are being fed daily in two villages in La Castellana, the hardest hit local government unit by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental.

As of yesterday, these animals, mostly pets of displaced families, have remained in Barangays Biak na Bato and Cabagna-an after residents in these communities, which are located within the six-kilometer radius danger zone, have evacuated since the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon last December 9.

Municipal information officer Remuel Seladan Lajo said personnel of the two villages prepare food for the pet animals and also source excess food from evacuation centers.

Donations in kind are also being received from private individuals, feed stores, local government veterinary offices and other barangays.

Lajo said some owners have opted to bring their pets with them to the evacuation centers.

In December, the municipal government of La Castellana created the Mt. Kanlaon Task Force Pet Rescue to feed the affected pet animals and accept pet food donations.

“Please coordinate with us at the Mayor’s Office. This will help in feeding pets left in the barangays within the four to six-kilometer extended danger zone,” Lajo said.

In La Castellana, about 4,300 displaced residents are still staying in various evacuations as of January 23, data from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office showed. (PNA)