The fate of impounded stray dogs. INQUIRER.net PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe said on Sunday that she remains committed to seeking the passage of the animal welfare bill, emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising cases of animal abuse in the country.

“Harrowing cases of animal cruelty pop up in the news and on social media, but too often, the abusers go unpunished,” Poe said in a statement.

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Poe highlighted recent incidents of animal cruelty, including the killing and burning of a dog in Visayas for allegedly biting a chicken.

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Another case was a viral video of a tricycle driver dragging a cat tied to the back of his vehicle in Pangasinan. The Land Transportation Office has since summoned the driver.

Poe earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2458, which seeks to amend the 26-year-old Animal Welfare Act by introducing stricter standards, tougher penalties, and the creation of a Barangay Animal Welfare Task Force.

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READ: Grace Poe pushes anew bill on creating animal welfare bureau

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty, who is heading the negotiations for the Philippine side, told the Inquirer that some chapters of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Middle Eastern country are almost substantially concluded after the latest round of talks held last week.

In separate advisories, Cleanfuel and Shell Pilipinas said diesel prices would climb by 90 centavos, while gasoline would increase by 45 centavos a liter.

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The proposed task force would empower local officials to respond to animal welfare issues with urgency, according to Poe.

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“We need a more comprehensive and tougher law that will not only give perpetrators a slap on the wrist. Let’s make this happen in this Congress,” she emphasized.

Poe said the measure also proposes deputizing trained volunteers as animal welfare enforcement officers and establishing guidelines to promote responsible pet ownership and ethical care for animals.

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Poe underscored the urgency of passing the bill, noting that the 19th Congress ends on June 30.

“This bill is always worth fighting for as animal welfare reflects society’s capacity for compassion,” she said.

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