Animal cruelty in the Philippines is a persisting issue, affecting innocent animals whose only fault is their inability to defend themselves.
The Philippines is one of the most pet-loving countries in the world. With the highest dog and cat ownership rates in Asia, it proves that animals hold a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. However, despite the warm reception animals receive, the country faces a distressing issue of animal cruelty.
Animal cruelty in the Philippines has been a persisting issue for many years, affecting many innocent animals whose only fault is their inability to defend themselves. From dogfighting and cockfighting to animals being used for entertainment purposes, the extent of animal abuse in the country is alarming.
Over the years, there has been a concerning rise in animal cruelty in the Philippines. Alarming statistics indicate that from 2010 to 2017, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) received reports of over 7,000 animal cruelty cases. Shockingly, in 2020 alone, The Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) Welfare Philippines documented more than 3,000 cases of animal cruelty.
To address this grave concern, the Philippine government enacted the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, a crucial legislative step toward protecting the rights and welfare of animals.
This comprehensive act prohibits the maltreatment of animals and aims to safeguard their well-being. By explicitly addressing various forms of animal abuse, such as beating, mutilation, and neglect, the law serves as a shield for innocent creatures. Furthermore, the act staunchly restricts animal exploitation, including animal fights and illegal wildlife trades, recognizing the importance of preserving endangered species.
However, it is essential to understand the acts that fall under the purview of animal cruelty beyond the prominent inhumane examples of violence. Aside from the more obvious acts of abuse such as:
There are other forms of mistreatment that often go unnoticed. Acts of neglect, such as depriving animals of basic necessities like food, water, and shelter, can be equally detrimental to their well-being.
Additionally, exposing animals to extreme weather conditions or using them in fights are acts of cruelty.
The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 imposes significant penalties on those found guilty of animal cruelty in the Philippines. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 Philippine pesos, depending on the severity of the offense. For those involved in animal fighting or exploiting endangered species, even more, severe punishments may be meted out.
A compassionate society begins with individual actions, and each of us can contribute to the welfare of animals in various ways such as:
However, combatting animal cruelty in the Philippines requires more than individual efforts. It necessitates a collective commitment from lawmakers, animal rights advocates, and society at large.
By increasing awareness, enforcing animal rights laws, and promoting empathy and compassion toward animals, we can help build a safer environment not only for domestic pets but for all kinds of animals as well. With just a little bit more love, we can make the world a better place for our critter companions.
