The Animal Welfare Act of 1998

The recent viral video showing three women torturing to death a poor puppy drew the ire not only of animal rights groups and animal lovers but even those who even don't have pets. The said video isn't actually the first one. In fact, several videos made the round before showing acts of cruelty such as setting an animal on fire and even hanging them on clothes line.The said acts are abominable and yes, PUNISHABLE UNDER THE PHILIPPINE LAWS.

Pursuant to "The Animal Welfare Act of  1998" or Republic Act 8485:

Sec. 6. It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare. 

Take note that the punishment for torturing animals is imprisonment of not less than Six (6) months but not more than Two (2) years or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos or both at the discretion of the court. A year ago, animal rights group, PAWS pushed for a higher penalty for the violation of the said acts to imprisonment of Six (6) to Twelve years of imprisonment and fine of  Ten Thousand Pesos.

So for all of those who have evil thoughts on torturing animals, remember that your acts may lead you inside a prison cell. So think about it, is it worth it? If you cannot feel compassion for these animals, at least don't do anything that would harm them.

UPDATE! According to the news, the President has signed a law raising the penalty to maximum period of three years in jail and/or fine of Php 250,000.