BRIAN Poe, the first nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist, has affirmed his commitment to advance animal welfare rights as pet ownership and adoption continues to rise.
“Amid the increasing rate of pet ownership and adoption, there is also a significant rise in animal cruelty and neglect, and as such the need for stronger animal welfare legislations and better regulation by the government,” Poe said during his keynote speech at the 1st Global Mars Pet Adoption Weekend recently.
Euromonitor International reported that the pet population in the Philippines has increased at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 percent from 56.3 million pets in 2020 to 65.9 million pets in 2024, and it is expected to grow to 76.8 million pets by 2029. A 2023 Social Weather Stations survey also showed that 64 percent of households in the Philippines have pets, with dogs and cats considered the most popular.
“Much needs to be done. This is a call to action for policy formulation to ensure the health and safety of animals in the Philippines, especially companion animals not fully covered by law,” Poe emphasized.
He cited Senate Bill No. 2458, filed by Sen. Grace Poe, which seeks a revised Animal Welfare Act to strengthen animal welfare standards, policies, rules and regulations, implementation and enforcement, as well as provide tougher penalties to violators.
He said there must also be a pet food regulatory standard to ensure that the safety and quality of pet food is guaranteed at all stages of the process, from manufacturing, sourcing, storage, packaging, and distribution.
Poe emphasized that FPJ Panday Bayanihan will continue to fight against any forms of animal cruelty, maltreatment, and abuse, as part of its three-pronged advocacy on Food, Progress, and Justice. Justice, for pet owners, and pets alike.
