By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering animal welfare standards, policies, rules, and regulations, along with stricter penalties for offenders.
The proposed legislation advocates for the establishment of an Animal Welfare Bureau (AWB) with offices at the city, municipal, provincial, and regional levels, all falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“Essentially, a policy will be formulated, and in every local government, an animal rights council should be established,” Poe stated during a recent hearing with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the Commission on Appointments.
“Some local governments have dog pounds, but the dogs aren’t taken care of,” she added.
Poe explained that her bill assigns the DA, through the AWB, to oversee the adherence of local governments to animal welfare programs, standards, rules, and regulations.
The AWB will also be responsible for implementing an inspection system for animal facilities, ensuring compliance with established animal welfare standards and regulations.
(ai/mnm)
