Fighting animal cruelty and demanding accountability

Recently, several incidents of animal cruelty and abuse have sparked widespread outrage, drawing significant attention to the issue. These alarming events have fueled calls for accountability and emphasized the need for stricter penalties for the abusers.

Last week, calls to find and arrest a foreign national who brutally kicked and killed a community cat in Makati made headlines. This prompted an animal welfare group to offer incentive to anyone who can provide the whereabouts of the man involved.

In a separate incident, a dog in Negros Occidental was used as a makeshift dart board, shot with improvised arrows in what Sen. Grace Poe condemned as a “barbaric act.” A cash reward was also offered for information leading to the identification of the individuals responsible for this horrific abuse.

Unfortunately, this series of animal abuse cases does not stop there.

In La Union, a woman recently lost five pet dogs, allegedly poisoned by her neighbor who claimed the animals were killing his chickens. The dog owner condemned the act, saying that her neighbor should have addressed the issue through proper channels, such as reporting it to the barangay, rather than resorting to animal cruelty. An animal welfare group has since launched an investigation to identify accountability for the incident.

Social media has provided a powerful platform to highlight these cases of animal abuse, driving public pressure that has led to tangible actions. This includes increased public awareness and vigilance, policy reviews, government intervention and growing support from the private sector.

Indeed, social media has become an effective tool to give voice to those who have none, and raise awareness on social concerns that otherwise would be neglected.

Animal welfare organizations and concerned citizens are now able to share evidence of abuse almost instantly- mobilizing public support and pressuring authorities to take swift action. In this context, the power of social media lies in its capability to compel authorities, especially law enforcement, to respond with urgency and act on cases of abuse and mistreatment.

Now, accountability is one click away.

It goes without saying that response to these incidents should primarily include strict verification of information to ensure they are not mere cases of social media lynching, and that proper action is taken.

While these animal cruelty incidents show the disappointing and inexcusable brutality of certain individuals, the public outcry that they have sparked demonstrates the growing awareness on animal welfare among Filipinos.

The outrage generated by these recent animal cruelty incidents shows that more and more Filipinos are becoming increasingly aware of the need for stricter animal welfare and protection laws.

The challenge here is ensuring that this public uproar translates to policy and community action, otherwise it just ends up as noise.

Our lawmakers should capitalize on this momentum to fast-track policy action and amend the 1998 Animal Welfare Act. The proposed measure seeks to establish stricter standards and tougher penalties, including increased jail time and heftier fines for violators, whether Filipino or foreign nationals. In addition, offenders are mandated to undergo animal welfare seminars as part of their rehabilitation.

In particular, the Makati incident, which involved a foreign national, brings forward the need for the government to promote awareness of animal welfare among foreign tourists and expatriates. This would help ensure they are held accountable for their actions here in the country.

Ignorance of Philippine laws is not and should never be taken as an excuse. These foreign nationals chose to come and visit the Philippines and therefore have the responsibility to be informed of our country’s laws and customs.

I would also like to emphasize that animal welfare should not be limited to the common pets such as cats and dogs but should adopt a more holistic approach to include care and protection of endangered species as well.

While there is much work to be done, there is hope, thanks to the tireless efforts of animal welfare groups spearheading the call to prevent and address animal abuse. My hats off to two particular personalities leading this charge- Rina Ortiz of Biyaya Animal Care and Atty. Anna Cabrera of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). May their tribe increase.

Meralco is also moving forward with its own advocacy program called “CATropa”, wherein community stray cats are given a fighting chance in its Ortigas compound. The program is set to be rolled out soon in several business locations within its service area.

We must not let this momentum fade. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare by exposing cases of abuse and demanding accountability from those responsible.

Animal welfare is not merely a charitable advocacy- it is an investment in our social progress. It is a collective effort to build a more compassionate and healthy society, not just for people, but for all living creatures. As I always say, the well-being of animals reflects the values that we have as a society. It is high time we stand united and protect them.