As a firm believer in humanely treating all living creatures, I am deeply concerned by the current state of stray dogs and cats in the Philippines and worldwide. Dogs and cats, our trusted and loved companions, deserve proper care, a loving home, and respect. They are not commodities to be sold for their meat or abandoned in dog pounds to suffer. Neither should they be left to perish on the streets, their fragile bodies left broken.

Countless stray cats and dogs roam the streets of the Philippines (as per June 2024 statistics show around 14.2 million cats and dogs), a heartbreaking sight indicative of a deeper issue. A nationwide animal cruelty problem has long plagued our country, despite the existence of an Animal Anti-Cruelty Law. This law is yet to be fully implemented and enforced, and those who breach it are often not penalised instead they get away with it over and over again.

We are pushing for:

1. Immediate implementation of the Animal Anti-Cruelty Law 
2.  Fine of Php30,000 to Php300,000  (USD 5000 to USD50,000) to those who abandon, catch abusing (children and adults alike), neglecting or maltreating the animals, dog meat trading or imprisonment of 1-3 years
3.  Have all pets chipped
4.  All dogs and cats should have pet collars, with the pet's name,   Owner's address and contact number
5.  All dogs should be on the  proper lead/leash, with no barbed wires on necks and legs etc
6.  All pets should have mandatory Annual health check-ups
7.  Spaying/neutering the dogs  and cats should be mandatory
8.  ALL DOG POUNDS ARE TO BE CONVERTED TO SHELTERS AND EMPLOY ONLY THOSE STAFF WHO GENUINELY CARE FOR ANIMALS
9.  ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FROM LOCAL TO THE NATIONAL LEVELS, WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IF THEY RELEASE THE DOGS TO BE RESCUED EVEN WHEN THERE IS CONFIRMATION FROM THE RESCUERS

Photo posted on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CWgSSjuYvh21TtTf/  this dog was abandoned by the owner and left to die on the street from hunger, dehydration and abuse from children and adults who saw him. This dog ended up with broken legs and was not able to feed himself - he died from hunger and lack of water.

House of Representatives (Congress)  and Senate (Lower House and the House of Lords)  hold the power to change this dire situation. By seriously implementing the Animal Anti-Cruelty Law and ensuring penalties for those who break it, they can protect stray dogs and cats from further harm. These legislative bodies can make a significant difference in the lives of these innocent creatures and yet they lack the initiative to implement and punish those who break the law. Those who reported animal cruelty were in fear that the criminals would get back to them – some even were physically assaulted instead of being incentivised. And the government didn’t do anything to protect those who care.

Our plea lies not just with these institutions, but with every individual who believes in compassion, dignity, and respect for all lives. Together, let us step forward and demand the full enforcement of the Animal Anti-Cruelty Law. Imprisonment and /or hefty fines on those who break the law. Let those who hurt, abuse, and mistreat these animals receive the applicable punishment. Together, we can give these animals the love, the home, and the respect they truly deserve. 

Let's make our voices and those of the voiceless four-legged angels heard. Please sign this petition, let us all get involved and SAVE THE LIVES OF THESE LITTLE ANGELS!  BE THE CHANGE THAT THEY REALLY NEED!