Press Release - Poe seeks tougher, broader law vs. animal cruelty

Sen. Grace Poe has proposed the creation of a body that will have wider powers in ensuring the promotion of animal welfare in the country and their protection against cruelty.

Senate Bill No. 2458 seeks a revised Animal Welfare Act to strengthen animal welfare standards, policies, rules and regulations, implementation and enforcement as well as provide tougher penalties to violators.

"Animals do have rights, too. Ang bantay ng ating bahay, kailangan din ng tagapagtanggol," Poe said.

"Some humans consider their pet animals like a member of their own family. However, not all animals are given the same care and attention, they are sometimes left abandoned, or worse, experience cruelty," she added.

The measure seeks to create an Animal Welfare Bureau (AWB) that will have city, municipal, provincial and regional offices. The proposed body will be placed under the Department of Agriculture.

Aside from formulating policies and guidelines for the implementation of the proposed law, the AWB will have the following functions, among others:

* Provide minimum standards on the appropriate food, water, and shelter for each species of pet and animals depending on the age, breed, size, and special needs of the animals

* In consultation with concerned transport regulating agencies, experts, and animal welfare groups, set a species-specific standard for transportation of animals to ensure they remain in safe condition

* Establish an emergency animal response and rescue system to appropriately respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters

* Promulgate guidelines for humane slaughter of animals in consultation with the National Meat Inspection Service, local government units and other concerned government agencies

* Implement a system for inspection of animal facilities to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and regulations

* Monitor compliance of the local government units with animal welfare programs, standards, rules and regulations

* Ensure proper coordination with non-government organizations, people's organizations and academe for the strict implementation of the rules and regulations issued

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