AN EVALUATION ON THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 10631 ALSO KNOWN AS PHILIPPINE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 2013

Abstract

Animal cruelty, including the killing of animals, is a pressing global concern that highlights significant ethical and legal challenges. In response to heightened public awareness and growing advocacy for animal welfare, numerous countries have enacted legislation to combat such cruelty. For example, the United States established the Animal Welfare Act in 1966, and the European Union has introduced various directives aimed at safeguarding animals (Codecasa et al., 2021). These legal frameworks are designed to prevent unnecessary suffering, ensure accountability for offenders, and foster the development of a more compassionate society. The study employed purposive sampling to select respondents, which included Barangay officials, local residents, and representatives from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The researchers personally engaged these participants to collect data on their assessment of the implementation of R.A. 10631. The findings indicate that law enforcement officers are well-informed about R.A. 10631 and capable of effectively addressing animal cruelty cases. Equipment for handling such incidents is regularly updated and maintained, according to respondents. Enforcement of penalties under R.A. 10631 was also rated positively. However, a notable challenge identified was the perceived weakness of penalties, reported in 30 cases (15%). To address implementation issues, 38 respondents (15.2%) recommended increasing public awareness about the importance of reporting animal cruelty. Public awareness should be enhanced through educational programs that encourage the reporting of animal cruelty and promote responsible pet ownership. Comprehensive training for law enforcement officers on animal welfare laws, investigative procedures, and proper animal handling is also crucial. Furthermore, additional funding must be allocated to procure necessary equipment and transportation to strengthen response capabilities. Lastly, the government should ensure sustainable financial support for ongoing public awareness initiatives, officer training, and the maintenance of animal shelters.