Police uncover chilling 'Animal Alcatraz' where owners dump pets they no longer want

Dozens of emaciated cats and dogs were rescued from a chilling 'Animal Alcatraz' where owners had dumped their unwanted pets.

Charity Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) launched a rescue operation to save more than 24 pets left for dead on Dao Dao Dako Island in the city of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur province, the Philippines.

Heartbreaking footage shows the starving canines - barely more than skin and bones - swarming the rescuers who had brought trays of corn and sardines to feed them on July 31.

Police discovered the animal dump on the uninhabited island thanks to a local vlogger who reported that residents were leaving their unwanted pets there.

Attorney Heidi Caguioa, AKF Executive Director, said: 'It was heartbreaking. The dogs were so thin and they approached our team immediately. Because of their hunger, they couldn't be aggressive.'

Jimmy Osing, head of the district responsible for the island, said the local government was aware that residents have been using the area as a dumping ground for unwanted pets.

However, Pagadian City Administrator Vince Quipot said: 'It's a resort that people visit to swim. It's normal that there are dogs there, but we were shocked that it was tagged as a dumping area.'

AKF said the rescued pets have been taken to the veterinarian and were now under the care of a partner animal welfare group in Pagadian City.

Atty Heidi said: 'Although the animals were dehydrated and anemic, they were negative for distemper or any other serious illness. '

AKF, another animal charity Paws Haven, and the local veterinary office were holding talks to educate residents about responsible pet ownership.

Police have also put up posters around the island warning that pet abandonment is illegal.

Under Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Law, those found guilty of abandonment may be face one to three years in prison, and fines ranging from 30,000 to 250,000 PHP (405 to 3,400 GBP).