Singer Lily Allen faces criticisms after returning her rescued puppy for eating family’s passport. (Photo by Lily Allen)
The English Singer-Songwriter landed in hot water following her revelation in the Duck, Duck, Pigeon episode of her podcast Miss Me?, that she returned her rescued puppy named Mary which she adopted in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 after it ate her passport, and those of her two daughters, Ethel, 12, and Marnie, 11.
She said, “You know what? We actually did adopt a dog together already, but then it ate my passport and so I took her back to the home.”
Allen added, “She ate all three of our passports and they had our visas in, and I cannot tell you how much money it cost me to get everything replaced ‘cause it was in COVID and so it was just an absolute logistical nightmare.
The singer complained, “The father of my children lives in England. I couldn’t get them back to see their dad for like, four months, five months, because this f—king dog had eaten the passports.”
This was met with negative reactions and comments on social media, with people taking to her Instagram to express their distress.
In an NBC News article, Allen wrote in her Instagram stories “I have never been accused of mistreating an animal, and I’ve found this whole week very distressing.” In response to the backlash.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a Philippine News Agency article states, “According to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), there are 12 million stray dogs in the Philippines while a single female cat can be responsible for a feral colony of as many as 30 cats in a single year.”
As seen in a 2023 Senate document, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) states, “Animal homelessness reached a crisis point in the Philippines. Countless dogs and cats struggle to survive on the streets, while hundreds are euthanized every month in municipal pounds. Strays and rescues that are not adopted or claimed at local pounds are often put down due to lack of space and resources.
In a data from the City Veterinary Department in Quezon City it was shown that its city pound captures an average of 200 stray animals per week or equivalent to 9,600 homeless animals yearly. However, pet adoption rate is at less than one percent.”
Animal Kingdom Foundation’s president, Atty. Heidi Caguioa, weighed in:
“Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. Pets are living creatures. They are not accessories, nor objects that we can always just give up or surrender should the same become a hassle or inconvenient. These animals have lives and feelings too.”
She adds, “When not ready or not committed to provide time, resources and emotional investment, do not own a pet.” – AL
