Itinutulak ngayon ni Ang Probinsyano Party-list Representative Alfred Delos Santos, ang pagkakaroon ng Emergency Response Program para sa mga hayop tuwing panahon ng kalamidad.
Sa kaniyang House Bill 11087, ipinunto ni Delos Santos na tuwing may tumatamang kalamidad, ang mga alagang hayop ay madalas naiiwan.
Bagamat may ilan aniyang mga lokal na pamahalaan na may programa na para sa pagsagip ng mga alagang hayop, mas maigi kung ito aniya ay maisabatas.
“Stories of animals drowning in shelters or facilities are not uncommon. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have been actively advocating for increased awareness and stronger measures to ensure that pets are not abandoned during disasters. While PAWS and other animal welfare organizations take the initiative in disaster relief operations, providing training, and preparing for pet rescue during emergencies, and although some LGUs are working to establish pet evacuation facilities, these efforts remain inadequate.” giit ni Delos Santos
Sa ilalim ng panukala, inaatasan ang Department of Agriculture, katuwang ang iba pang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at local government units na bumuo ng isang inter-agency emergency response program para sa pagkakaroon ng mga evacuation at temporary shelter ng mga alagang hayop sa panahon ng kalamidad.
Nakapaloob din dito ang pagkakaroon ng rescue system para sa mga hayop na inaabuso.
“This program shall include the establishment of animal evacuation centers, temporary shelters, and/or recognized rescue centers, whether public or private, where animals can be placed until they are claimed by their rightful owners or rehomed appropriately: The Department, through the LGUs, shall also establish an emergency response system to rescue animals that are victims of abuse, cruelty, or maltreatment, and refer them to recognized animal shelters or facilities, whether public or private.” saad sa panukala
Pinapasama rin ang Animal Welfare Education sa basic education curriculum sa primary at secondary schools. | ulat ni Kathleen Forbes
