Passage of stronger animal welfare law pushed in Senate
2024-Sep-03 19:00
STRAYS. Two stray cats do as they please outside a mall at the Araneta City commercial center in Cubao, Quezon City in this file photo. Senator Grace Poe on Monday (Sept. 2, 2024) pushed for the passage of Senate Bill 2458 or the Revised Animal Welfare Act. (PNA/Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
MANILA – Senator Grace Poe on Monday pushed for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2458 or the Revised Animal Welfare Act.
Poe's SB 2458 seeks to equip villages with animal welfare programs to allow them to act effectively against cruelty.
The measure aims to establish standards geared towards engendering responsible pet ownership, as well as ethical behavior and accountability from all those who have control over or provide care to animals.
At the same time, Poe lauded the initiatives of private groups and individuals to help improve the situation of animals.
"Kapag sama-samang kumikilos ang mga pribadong grupo at indibidwal para sa isang adbokasiya, marami talagang matutulungan (When private groups and individuals come together for an advocacy, there will be more help)," Poe said in a news release.
Poe joined fellow animal welfare advocates at the second anniversary of Biyaya Animal Care in Mandaluyong City.
More than 4,000 people showed up during the event, which gave free neutering and spaying to dogs and cats, among other services.
"Ako naman sa Senado, patuloy natin pinaglalaban ang karapatan ng mga alaga nating aso at pusa kasama ng mga (As for me in the Senate, we continue to fight for the rights of our pet dogs and cats, together with) pet owners," Poe said.
Poe said senators have proposed a budget for local governments and concerned agencies to ramp up free neutering and spaying services nationwide, and to provide free anti-rabies vaccines to victims of animal bites.
She said city and municipal pounds should also be funded to equip them in caring for stray animals.
Her bill likewise carries stiff penalties for animal cruelty and neglect. (PNA)