Amid rising cases of animal cruelty, House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima filed measures to strengthen Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, as amended.
De Lima filed House Bill 7238 or the Revised Animal Welfare Act, which sets minimum standards for humane treatment, including proper food, shelter, veterinary care, humane transport, and conditions allowing natural animal behavior.
She said existing laws have failed to curb cruelty, noting that many cases remain unreported and enforcement gaps persist, citing high-profile abuse incidents including the killing of a pet dog in Camarines Sur.
The bill strengthens rescue and enforcement mechanisms, creates an Animal Welfare Bureau under the Department of Agriculture, mandates barangay animal welfare units, and imposes stiffer penalties for cruelty, abandonment, and repeat offenses.
De Lima also filed House Resolution 687 seeking a congressional inquiry into the enforcement of animal welfare laws, with findings to guide remedial legislation and strengthen local animal protection programs.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “De Lima seeks revisions to enhance animal welfare law”
