Flooding caused by super typhoon leaves countless dogs homeless and dying

‘Cruelty to animals is a huge concern in the Philippines,’ Ashley, 38, who is from British Columbia, Canada, but has lived in the Philippines for 17 years, says.

Think of dogs caged up or chained to lamposts, utility poles or wooden beams outside their owner’s house, forced to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves on the same patch of dirt for days on end.

‘While we’ve noticed that, thanks to increased social media use, locals are more aware of animal welfare concerns and more caring than a decade or so ago, the problem is still huge, especially in impoverished areas where it may be more difficult to keep dogs inside due to crowded living conditions,’ Ashley says.

Beating, torturing, or killing animals other than livestock is illegal in the Philippines. If the animal dies, an abuser can be jailed for up to two years and fined ₱100,000, about £1,300.

One instance that sticks out in Ashley’s mind is Nova. The Aspins dog was found by rescuers tethered outside in Quezon City, a densely populated suburb northeast of the capital, Manila, in May. Her owner had refused to bring her inside – she wasn’t even fed daily.

Nova, Ashley says, ‘had only a small, dilapidated wooden box to shelter her from the blazing heat and torrential rain – and she was desperate for affection’.

‘Animals are family members who shouldn’t be left alone in chains or in cages.

‘Not only does it make their life frustrating and lonely, it can also spell a terrifying death should natural disaster strike, as they’re unable to escape.’

The supercharged southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat’, lashed the Philippines for days and, at one point, bucketed 2000mm of rain on the capital in 24 hours.

Rescuers trudged through nearly neck-deep floodwater to save survivors clinging onto power lines and used shopping trolleys to get around.

Many Filipinos were packed into evacuation centres inside school gymnasiums, churches and health centres during this time. But a years-long issue for animal rescue fieldworkers has been relief centres not allowing pets and strays inside over hygiene and space, forcing owners to make difficult decisions about their animal companion’s lives.

‘Thankfully, this is gradually changing. During super typhoon Gaemi, we did see more and more evacuation centres – and even some government rescue boats – accepting animals,’ Ashley explains. ‘This hasn’t been the case in previous years, so it’s a promising change.’

While pet owners are advised to transport their pets in a carrier – or repurpose a laundry basket – unchaining pets is considered a last resort.

These animals may never be seen again, Ashley says,