There is no shortage on social media of posts about animal abuse. And while these photos, videos, and trending hashtags raise awareness, they do not legally prompt law enforcement to take action.
In a recent statistic, of 673 cases of animal abuse reported to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS,) only eight proceeded to file in court. This, despite the existence of Republic Act 8485, better known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which is a landmark law that protects animals from abuse, neglect, torture, and cruelty. The law has since been amended by RA 10631, which strengthens protections and increases penalties for violators.
All the pieces of legislation exist for ordinary folks to report animal cruelty. Granted, the fight for animal rights is a continuous, evolving one. But even with the basic systems in place, there’s enough to make sure that animals aren’t treated unjustly.
It’s not easy, but it’s the right thing to do
Although it can be disturbing, difficult, and heartbreaking to witness an act of animal cruelty, it is crucial not to look away and intervene as quickly as possible. Animal abuse can be an act of violence, like beating, shooting, burning, or poisoning. Chronic neglect is another form of animal abuse, including but not limited to, a lack of proper shelter, food, and clean water.
PAWS emphasizes that offenders can only be stopped and punished through legal actions that require executing an affidavit and appearing in court. The group also provides free legal assistance to anyone willing to fight for their rights. Follow this streamlined, three-step process to report animal cruelty and ensure the voiceless are heard:
Step 1: Intervene
If the abuse is happening now, yell “stop,” or “help,” or create any form of distraction to save the animal.
Step 2: Report
Contact the police or the barangay immediately. Authorities can arrest perpetrators caught in the act.
Step 3: File a Case
Willing witnesses or anyone with personal knowledge of the crime must file a case. File an affidavit directly with law enforcement or submit a witness affidavit through the PAWS website. They can serve as a co-complainant alongside the witness, provided the witness commits to seeing the case through to completion. Concerned individuals can also file a complaint at the City Prosecutor’s Office.
This extended step-by-step guide from PAWS’ Facebook page goes into more detail, for more information.
More than just posting on Facebook
Prioritize reporting and formally filing a case over merely posting on social media. No one can deny the impact of social media in bringing attention to animal cruelty cases. However, reacting, resharing posts, and tagging animal welfare groups and government offices are not enough to push a legal case forward. Photos and videos can serve as evidence, but ultimately, witnesses and pet owners need to file a case in court.
Remember: you don’t have to go into battle alone. There is no shortage of kind souls willing to go above and beyond for animals in need. Animal welfare advocates, PAWS, Biyaya Animal Care, CARA Welfare Philippines (CARA), Pawssion Project, and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), among others, are available to listen and help anyone willing to file a case against animal abusers.
It is incumbent upon you to act, no matter how scary it may be. The mandate on PAWS’ Animal Cruelty and Pet Neglect page is clear: “Animal cruelty and pet neglect are criminal offenses. You must intervene.”
