MANILA, Philippines- Ipinanukala ni Senador Grace Poe sa Senado na lumikha ng isang lupon na magkakaroon ng mas malawak na kapangyarihan upang matiyak ang pagtataguyod ng kagalingan ng alagang hayop sa bansa at Proteksiyon laban sa kalupitan.
Sinabi ni Poe, chairman ng Senate committee on public services at masugid na animal lover, na layunin ng Senate Bill No. 2458 na baguhin ang Animal Welfare Act upang palakasin ang animal welfare standards, policies, rules and regulations, implementation and enforcement kabiang ang pagtatakda ng mas mabigat na parusa sa lumalabag.
“Animals do have rights, too. Ang bantay ng ating bahay, kailangan din ng tagapagtanggol,” ayon kay Poe.
“Maraming tao ang ikinokonsiderang miyembro ng kanilang pamilya ang alagang hayop. Pero, hindi lahat ng hayop ay nabibigyan ng katulad na alaga at atensiyon, kadalasan inaabandona sila, kundi man pinagmamalupitan,” dagdag ng mambabatas.
Layunin ng panukala na lumikha ng Animal Welfare Bureau (AWB) na magkakaroon ng tanggapan sa lungsod, munisipalidad, lalawigan at pang-rehiyon. Isasailalim ang naturang tanggapan sa Department of Agriculture.
Bukod sa paglikha ng patakaran at alituntunin sa Implementasyon ng panukalang batas, magkakaroon ng mga sumusunod na tungkulin ang AWB:
“Provide minimum standards on the appropriate food, water, and shelter for each species of pet and animals depending on the age, breed, size, and special needs of the animals
In consultation with concerned transport regulating agencies, experts, and animal welfare groups, set a species-specific standard for transportation of animals to ensure they remain in safe condition
Establish an emergency animal response and rescue system to appropriately respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, earthquakes and other natural disaster
Promulgate guidelines for humane slaughter of animals in consultation with the National Meat Inspection Service, local government units and other concerned government agencies
Implement a system for inspection of animal facilities to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and regulations
Monitor compliance of the local government units with animal welfare programs, standards, rules and regulations
Ensure proper coordination with non-government organizations, people’s organizations and academe for the strict implementation of the rules and regulations issued
Issue, suspend, cancel permits or certifications pursuant to the purposes of the measure
Levy and collect fee for registration, certification, inspection and monitoring system and of other fees as the AWB may deem necessary for the effective implementation of the law.”
