News and headlines had been unendingly flooding social media since then, reports of cruelty screamed heartlessness of people who continuously harm animals for unjustifiable reasons—from a cat being thrown off a building by a child to a dog buried alive under rocks. These types of cases are not only seen on the internet but can also be witnessed in communities, and unfortunately, it was considered a common sight because of passiveness and lack of action in dealing with these issues. With this being stated, the officials' disregard for animals' lives and the absence of effort in cracking down on offenders and putting an end to the cruelty made abusers relieved of not being put behind bars despite the prohibited acts they have committed hence encouraging them to proceed with their viciousness.

To date, there are only two laws in the Philippines that respond to violence against animals and protection: The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (RA 8485) which promotes animal welfare, and Republic Act No. 10631 which is an act amending certain sections of the aforementioned law. RA 8485 Section 6 states that it shall be unlawful for any person to torture, neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare. Violators of any provisions shall be punished by imprisonment ranging from six (6) months to two (2) years or a fine ranging from One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) to Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court. However, in spite of the implementation of these laws and the related penalties under them, it can be asserted that these are not enough to stop illegal prosecutions because of increasingly prevalent cases of animal abuse in the country.

Animals deserve to feel safe in their surroundings too as they also have feelings just like us humans, hence, them being threatened and exploited by abusers is unpardonable. They have the right to freedom and experience justice, and as co-existing companions, we must learn how to respect those liberties by changing our perspectives in life and envisioning a compassionate community involving the welfare of animals because true beauty is cruelty-free. We must be held accountable for our every action and consider decisions not only for our gains but also for those who will be affected even if they are recognized as minors in our community. A life is invariably an existence and hence will always be deemed significant regardless of its form.

The main goals of this petition are to:

• Protect animals from abuse by reporting and intervening in witnessed maltreatment, neglect, and cruelty inflicted on them

• Educate and raise consciousness to stop inhumane acts and intentions

• Demand stiffer laws for the protection of animals and penalties for violators

• Encourage pet owners to be more responsible to prevent stray animals from loitering in neighborhoods

Life was never easy for us humans, we strive to survive as every day is a constant struggle needed to be faced just to make ends meet, nevertheless, we know how to communicate with each other, and we can find ways to get help from people and authorities when the time of distress comes, and assistance can be provided if the problem was discussed. However, it is not the same for creatures who were born defenseless, voiceless, and helpless in this world full of violence and hostility against them, their safety and well-being are not always guaranteed especially for those who were left alone in the streets, begging for mercy and to be spared from impending demise. Therefore, strong measures should be applied thus executed to lessen animal abuse cases in the country. Spread awareness that animals should be treated like humans, protected from any kind of harm imposed by wrongdoers so that they would not live in relentless fear for their safety, and immediately report any signs and sights of maltreatment to officials.

By signing this petition, everyone will benefit from this movement. Act now and stop the persecution of the innocents. Together, let us be the voice of the voiceless, defend the defenseless, help the helpless, and be the shield of the vulnerable against abusers. 

STOP INHUMANE TREATMENTS. END ANIMAL CRUELTY NOW.