Lawmakers push animal protection bill after pets dumped in Bulacan

MANILA — Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña has renewed efforts to advance proposed legislation aimed at strengthening animal protection measures in the Philippines, following reports of deceased pets found abandoned in Bulacan over the weekend.

Cendaña issued a statement Saturday calling for the passage of a House Bill that would establish more rigorous protections for animals and stricter penalties for those found guilty of animal cruelty or abandonment. The discovery of the 29 dead pets' remains in the City of San Jose del Monte prompted the legislator to escalate the push for the measure.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns among animal welfare advocates regarding gaps in existing protections and enforcement mechanisms. Current laws addressing animal cruelty remain limited in scope, with penalties often insufficient to deter violations.

The proposed legislation is expected to address care standards, abandonment protocols, and penalties for violations. Animal welfare groups have voiced support for more comprehensive legal frameworks to combat cruelty and neglect cases across the country.

The measure now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives as legislators examine ways to strengthen the nation's animal protection statutes.