De Lima urges lawmakers to pass tougher animal welfare bill

MANILA, Philippines – Congress should tighten national animal welfare laws following the illegal dumping of 25 dead pets in Bulacan, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima said on Sunday.

On Friday, animal welfare group Luna and Furry Siblings sparked widespread outrage after it exposed on social media how the remains of several dogs and cats were “thrown away like trash” in San Jose Del Monte city.

Reports subsequently revealed that the pets were discarded rather than cremated as intended by their owners.

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“This kind of violence should never be tolerated,” de Lima, the second-ranking minority lawmaker in the House of Representatives, said in a statement. “It will not be the last unless we implement comprehensive and stricter laws to promote and protect animal rights and welfare.”

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READ: All dead pets dumped in Bulacan claimed by owners – rescue group

“We call on our fellow lawmakers: Let us also prioritize the passage of our proposed Animal Welfare Enforcement Act and the Revised Animal Welfare Act to stop animal cruelty and foster an understanding of proper and humane treatment for animals,” she added.

De Lima last year introduced House Bill No. 7238, a 24-page measure defining core animal rights — including freedom from hunger, distress, and injury — and establishing an enforcement body under the Department of Agriculture.

“Despite the continued existence of the Animal Welfare Act, incidents of animal cruelty persist with alarming regularity, underscoring serious gaps in enforcement and local implementation,” the bill’s explanatory note read.

Her bill seeks to set “clear minimum standards” for the proper treatment of all animals, including adequate food and water, proper shelter, veterinary care, humane transport and opportunities for animals to express natural tendencies, the note added. /ms