News on the brutal killing of Killua, the Golden Retriever from Bato, Camarines Sur, has ignited a wave of public outcry, particularly among animal-loving Filipinos. The incident serves as a harsh awakening on the need to amplify awareness surrounding animal rights.
Under the banner of #JusticeForKillua, the incident made headlines as the nation learned how an innocent canine fell victim to brutality at the hands of an individual who claimed self-defense against the dog which allegedly chased his child. Caught on closed-circuit television, the footage captured the man striking the helpless dog while it was attempting to flee. Killua’s lifeless body was later discovered inside a sack.
Recent reports revealed that Killua tested positive for rabies. However, this does not in any way justify the cruelty it endured. Rather, this underscores the imperative for responsible pet ownership.
The senseless killing of Killua has brought forward discussions aimed at revisiting and enhancing the country’s existing Animal Welfare Act. These deliberations are pivotal for Filipinos, as I believe this is an important turning point to foster a culture of compassion and dignity towards animals, and ensure stronger safeguards to penalize perpetrators and abusers.
The animal cruelty story of Killua is not an isolated incident. Before this was the distressing case of an aspin named Erika, brutally stabbed by a South Korean national. Several other similar stories of abuse also surfaced – prompting us to re-evaluate if this is a reflection of broader societal challenges, and further pushing the need for comprehensive legislative and societal action.
The Philippines is a country where pet ownership thrives. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows 64 percent of Filipino households have pets at home. Against this backdrop, animal welfare is a serious national concern demanding concerted attention from policymakers, law enforcers, and advocacy groups.
While some may argue that other pressing issues overshadow animal welfare, I believe that it is essential to recognize that our treatment of animals mirrors our soul as a nation. How we protect and safeguard the vulnerable and those who cannot speak up for themselves underscores our commitment to justice, compassion and empathy.
A society that is cruel to animals is one that is broken and bereft of decency and good moral order.
In the wake of Killua’s tragic fate, the time is ripe for lawmakers to re-open the discourse on amending and fortifying the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, ensuring that the law is attuned to the current conditions of our society.
Lawmakers must strengthen the law by imposing increased fines and harsher penalties on offenders. This will discourage and deter future offenses and promote greater awareness of animal welfare. Abuses, neglect, and abandonment of animals should be met with severe consequences, not leniency.
As aptly stated by Grace Poe, a proponent of legislative reform on the said law: “If we are to create a kinder society where animals and humans can co-exist in harmony, we must raise awareness on the proper, responsible, and humane manner of treating animals.”
While significant strides have been made in advancing animal welfare, considerable work remains.
Amending the law on animal welfare is important, enforcing it effectively is just as crucial.
Combating animal abuse should be addressed at the grassroots level, with various sectors working together to spread awareness about animal rights and advocate for compassionate treatment of all animals.
We must remember that humane treatment of animals extends beyond pets like dogs and cats. It includes protection of endangered species, wildlife conservation, and ethical treatment of livestock, among other forms of animal care.
To bring forward tangible and impactful change, policymakers, law enforcers, and the private sector must drive active collaboration, leveraging resources and expertise to champion animal welfare causes.
As an example, local officials can collaborate with cause-oriented advocacy groups to conduct information and educational campaigns at the community level. The private sector can contribute financial resources towards initiatives aimed at raising greater awareness on the issue.
Information is power when it comes to any social issue.
In this light, I advocate integrating animal welfare into the basic education curriculum. This will empower the Filipino youth to learn about proper animal care and responsible pet ownership from an early age.
As we raise awareness on this critical issue, let us remember that our treatment of animals is a reflection of our humanity.