Animal Welfare Law

Republic Act No. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998), as amended by Republic Act No. 10631 (2013).

The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8485), as strengthened and amended by Republic Act No. 10631 of 2013, is the principal Philippine law protecting animals from cruelty, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation.

The law applies broadly to animals in the Philippines, including terrestrial, aquatic and marine animals. It regulates the keeping, breeding, treatment, training and other uses of animals, including animals kept as household pets. (eLibrary)

What does the law mean by animal welfare?

RA 10631 defines animal welfare as the physical and psychological well-being of animals.

This includes:

• protection from abuse, cruelty, maltreatment and exploitation;

• appropriate accommodation, feeding and general care;

• prevention and treatment of disease;

• freedom from fear and distress;

• freedom from harassment and unnecessary discomfort and pain; and

• the opportunity for animals to express normal behaviour. (eLibrary)

In practical terms, people who keep or have custody of animals have a responsibility to provide them with adequate food, water, shelter, care and protection and to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Cruelty, neglect and maltreatment are unlawful

The amended law makes it unlawful to torture, neglect or maltreat an animal, or to deprive an animal of adequate care, sustenance or shelter.

It also prohibits subjecting dogs or horses to dogfights or horsefights and restricts the use of animals in research or experiments that have not been expressly authorised under the law. (eLibrary)

Abandonment is also an offence

RA 10631 specifically added a prohibition against animal abandonment.

A person who has custody or control of an animal must not simply abandon it without providing for its care. Abandonment may constitute maltreatment, and the law provides for the maximum penalty where abandonment causes unnecessary suffering or results in the animal's death. (eLibrary)

This is particularly important for companion animals. Taking responsibility for an animal means accepting an ongoing duty to provide appropriate care rather than simply leaving the animal when it becomes inconvenient or unwanted.

Penalties

RA 10631 significantly strengthened the penalties for cruelty, maltreatment and neglect.

Depending on the circumstances and the condition of the animal, a person convicted of an offence may face imprisonment and/or substantial fines.

Where an animal dies as a result of cruelty, maltreatment or neglect, the law provides for imprisonment of 1 year, 6 months and 1 day to 2 years and/or a fine of up to ₱100,000.

Where an animal survives but suffers severe injury resulting in loss of its natural ability to survive without human intervention, the law provides for imprisonment of 1 year and 1 day to 1 year and 6 months and/or a fine of up to ₱50,000.

Animal welfare is not simply a matter of kindness or personal preference. In the Philippines, the humane treatment of animals is supported by national law.

Everyone who owns, keeps, handles or has custody of an animal has a responsibility to avoid cruelty and neglect and to provide appropriate care.

For community cats, this means that responsible management should aim to protect cats from unnecessary suffering while also addressing the long-term welfare of the community. Humane spay/neuter, veterinary treatment, appropriate feeding and responsible community care are important practical ways of achieving this.

Zen Cats supports the humane treatment of all animals and works to improve the welfare of community cats through responsible, humane and sustainable programmes.