Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10631)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 10631 is to protect and promote the welfare of all terrestrial, aquatic, and marine animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities used for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training animals either as objects of trade or as household pets.
Animal welfare pertains to the physical and psychological well-being of animals, including the avoidance of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty and exploitation by maintaining appropriate standards of accommodation, feeding, general care, prevention and treatment of disease, and ensuring freedom from fear, distress, harassment, unnecessary discomfort, and pain, allowing animals to express normal behavior.
No, it is unlawful for any person to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, as well as to torture, neglect, maltreat any animal or cause them to be deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter.
Abandonment means the relinquishment of all right, title, claim, or possession of the animal with the intention of not reclaiming it or resuming its ownership or possession.
Abandoning an animal without reasonable cause or excuse and without providing for its care constitutes maltreatment. If the abandonment causes unnecessary suffering or death, the person liable faces the maximum penalty under the law.
Penalties range from imprisonment of six months to three years and fines from P30,000 to P250,000 depending on the severity of the act and its result on the animal, such as death or severe injury.
Higher penalties (imprisonment of two to three years and/or a fine not exceeding P250,000) are imposed if the offense is committed by a syndicate, an offender who makes business out of cruelty, a public officer or employee, or if at least three animals are involved.
The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall deputize animal welfare enforcement officers from non-government organizations, citizens groups, community organizations, other volunteers who have undergone training, and law enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Animal welfare enforcement officers have the authority to seize and rescue illegally traded and maltreated animals and to arrest violators of the Act, subject to existing laws and regulations on arrest and detention.
If any provision of the Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.