Manila: The Philippine National Police: has renewed its commitment to stronger law enforcement action against animal cruelty through intensified police operations, closer coordination with government agencies, and enhanced training for police personnel nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, the directive came after PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. met with Dr. Marie Shella Ordinario, head of the Animal Welfare Unit of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), during the latter's courtesy visit at Camp Crame on Tuesday. Their meeting focused on expanding cooperation between the PNP and the BAI in enforcing animal welfare laws.
Both agencies agreed to strengthen operational coordination, provide technical assistance, and conduct an orientation seminar to further enhance the capability of police personnel in handling animal welfare-related cases. "I have directed all police units to strengthen coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry and local government authorities in responding to animal welfare violations. Our personnel will undergo capability-building activities to ensure that complaints are handled promptly, investigations are conducted properly, and offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law," Nartatez said in a statement on Wednesday.
The BAI serves as the government's lead office in implementing policies and programs on animal welfare. Nartatez said the PNP supports the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by investigating complaints and assisting in law enforcement operations against violators. Police units were likewise instructed to intensify intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations against organized animal cruelty, the illegal dog meat trade, and other violations of existing animal welfare laws.
The renewed partnership supports the PNP's Focused Agenda by strengthening community partnerships and improving police operations through collaboration with other government agencies, according to Nartatez. This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure the effective enforcement of laws that protect both communities and animal welfare.
"Acts of cruelty against animals can be an indicator of broader unlawful behavior. This is why we are strengthening our capability to investigate these cases and respond promptly in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry and other stakeholders," Nartatez explained. He also called on the public to take an active role in protecting animals by immediately reporting incidents of abuse and neglect to law enforcement authorities.
"We encourage the public to immediately report incidents of animal cruelty to the nearest police station or the appropriate authorities. Every report helps us protect animals, enforce the law, and promote responsible ownership," Nartatez noted.
