Butuan City, Philippines – In a bid to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act in Caraga, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has taken a proactive step by training 112 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel across the region as Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs). Conducted in two batches from November 11 to 15 in Butuan City, the training is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the DA’s Regulatory Division to empower law enforcement in addressing animal welfare violations.
The seminar-workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics including the key provisions of Animal Welfare Legislation (RA 8485 / RA 10631) and its implementing rules and regulations. Participants delved into animal welfare concepts, ethics, and theoretical frameworks, preparing them for real-life scenarios involving animal care and protection. The sessions included in-depth workshops on case handling, food animal slaughter, animal rescue in disaster situations, ethical use of animals in research, and other crucial issues faced by AWEOs.
BCPO Chief Clerk for Plans and Programs, Yamane D. Madronial, shared her enthusiasm for the training, highlighting its role in aiding the PNP’s goal of establishing animal welfare desks in every police station in the region. “This seminar-workshop provides the PNP with a solid foundation to address animal welfare issues more effectively and respond promptly to cases,” Madronial said. With the creation of dedicated desks, the PNP aims to streamline the handling of animal welfare concerns across Caraga.
Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen commended the PNP for its dedication and partnership with the DA in implementing animal welfare regulations. “Their commitment underscores a shared responsibility in ensuring animal protection and enforcing standards set forth by the Animal Welfare Act,” Mangelen remarked.
Dr. Marie Shella G. Ordinario and Mr. Norman B. Tan from the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Animal Health and Welfare Division served as the primary resource persons for the seminar. Their expertise provided practical insights, bridging theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies to enhance animal welfare enforcement at the grassroots level.
As Caraga continues to make strides in animal welfare, this collaboration marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to uphold humane standards and empower law enforcement to protect animals effectively.
