Animal cruelty is a crime, here’s what you should do to stop it

There has been a number of incidents involving animal cruelty around the country, with the fatal stabbing of a dog by a vendor in Subic, Zambales, among the most recent.

What should we do if we witness animals being harmed, abused or neglected?

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shared Thursday some tips for reporting animal cruelty to the proper authorities.

On its website, PAWS advised that posting on social media is “not taking action” as well as tagging PAWS and other animal welfare groups.

Instead, the public should contact barangay officials and/or police via the 911 emergency hotline.

PAWS also said they offer free legal assistance to pet owners and concerned citizens who wish to pursue legal action against offenders.

To qualify, the public must gather evidence, prepare the necessary documents, sign an agreement with PAWS, and testify in court.

According to PAWS, the most compelling evidence is the animal victim. But if presenting it is not possible, videos, photos and other witness accounts can be used instead.

Meanwhile, the following documents are needed to file charges:

• Witness affidavit
• Complainant affidavit (could be different from the witness)
• Copy of a valid government ID of the witness and complainant
• Copy of blotter or incident report from the police/barangay
• Photos/videos of the animal (as many as possible)
• Veterinarian’s affidavit and other attachments

PAWS said the complainant and primary witness will have to sign an agreement with PAWS to show they will not back out from the case.

This move is to avoid efforts and resources from going to waste since the animal welfare group will shoulder the expenses.

The public may submit the requirements on the PAWS website.  

In cases of pet neglect, the animal welfare group advised the public could approach the owners and educate them in a “friendly manner.”

PAWS or other authorities can confiscate the neglected pet provided there is evidence, such as photos and videos, showing a pattern of neglect and a witness affidavit.

“By staying informed, taking proper and proactive action, and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a future where no animal suffers at the hands of abusers,” PAWS said Thursday in a Facebook post.

An example, PAWS said, was the case of Korean Jung Seongho, who was found guilty of stabbing a dog named “Erica.”

“Thanks to the quick action of witnesses who executed a ‘citizen’s arrest’ and then called authorities right after the stabbing incident, the Jung was immediately arrested and jailed prior to the formal hearings,” PAWS said in a statement in December 2024.

Under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 as amended by Republic Act 10631, those who engage in animal cruelty may face imprisonment from six months to two years or be fined from P30,000 to P100,000 or both —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News