De La Salle University-Dasmarinas

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

SOSC004 (Ethics)

The Ethical Implications of Animal

Cruelty: Analyzing Judiciary Measures
and Cases in the Philippines

A Baby Thesis
Presented To
Sir. Jumel G. Estrañero

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in
SOSC004 (Ethics)

By:

Candelaria, Hannah Rove Angelette V.

PSC22

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Prelude 3
II. Body 4
III. Analysis 5
IV. Recommendation 6
V. Requiem 7
VI. Message to your Professor: 8
VII. References 9

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

I. Prelude

Animals are kinds of living organisms that can move, consume food, and adapt to the
world through their senses. Most individuals are most likely to have a pet animal to keep them
company and be entertained as a source of pleasure. In the Philippines, approximately 12 million
individuals own dogs, making up 67% of households with pets, making the Shih Tzu’s the most
popular breed. Although 14% of households prefer and possess cats, dogs are still five times
more prevalent than feline species (Cosgrove, 2022). Aside from companionship, humans take
care of pets because it has other benefits for humans in regards with their health. For instance,
service dogs and cats can be beneficial for those individuals who suffer from disabilities. These
animals are well-trained to handle and aid a variety of ailments such as anxiety, epilepsy, and
heart problems. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than just a company. Animals do
not ask for much in their lives, they just need humans to provide their basic necessities such as a
safe place to live as well as food and water as they cannot sustain on their own. In return, they
will definitely show respect and love towards individuals because the behavior of domestic
animals vary on how people behave towards them.

Despite the satisfaction and companionship that pet animals have brought individuals,
there are some people who see them as bad and can harm others, thus they perform unethical acts
such as killing the furry living organisms that bring other people's happiness and companionship.
Animal Cruelty is one of the societal issues that is pervasive in the modern world. The Philippine
Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS, released statistics showing that 95–98% of conviction cases
are currently active throughout the nation (Bolledo, 2024). These circumstances emphasize the
need of raising awareness towards the public as well as to strengthen legal frameworks that are
focused on animal welfare.

Through the enforcement of laws and the adjudication of animal cruelty cases, the
judiciary is vital to the fight against animal cruelty. They interpret and apply legislation in
deciding cases such as the Republic Act No. 8485 also known as the Animal Welfare Act of
1998, a legal framework in the Philippines that aims to protect and promote the well-being of all
animals and imposes sanctions for those individuals who violate their rights. Their rulings may
also be used in related situations in the future, perhaps improving the welfare of animals.

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

II. Body

Recently, there was an animal-related issue that had been circulated online which was the
death of Killua, a golden retriever who was found dead in a sack last March. The owner, together
with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society also known as PAWS, had filed a legal complaint
against Anthony Solares, for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 8454 and Republic Act No.
9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. The offender alleged that Killua was aggressive, causing
him to commit a crime. Killua tested positive for rabies, however, PAWS stated that it may not
be accurate since the body has been buried for five days before testing and might be slaughtered
by other dogs.

This incident had brought numerous reactions concerning the welfare of animals. Social
media users expressed their anger by making the hashtag #JusticeForKillua trend on X. Many
denounced the acts of Solares and emphasized that there was no valid reason for the brutal
killing of an animal. His death caused a cry for justice from the public including famous
personalities such as celebrities and politicians. Senator Grace Poe filed Senate Bill 2458 which
seeks to require Animal Welfare Education into primary and secondary curriculum (Bordey,
2024). Moreover, the revised Animal Welfare Act also established standards towards responsible
pet-ownership as well as ethical behavior and accountability for those who have the authority
over animals.

Animal cruelty is punishable under Republic Act 8445. In correlation with the legal
framework, PAWS advocates to educate and spread knowledge about issues related to animal
welfare and concerns. Over the years, the nonprofit organization had sheltered over 300 cats and
dogs who once experienced maltreatment and neglect from their past owners. The organizations
aid these animals by providing them rehabilitation and a temporary shelter as they tend to make
these animals up for adoption for another chance of experiencing a good life. Moreover, the
Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 also promotes dog vaccination campaigns and awareness towards
rabies.

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

III. Analysis

Ethical Implications

The most essential right that a human being should exercise is their right to life. Despite
not having the ability to speak and think rationally, as human beings, animals should not be
deprived of their right to life. Animal advocates such as PAWS, emphasizes that animals have the
right to be free from neglect and abuse as well as from suffering.

In an ethical context, Utilitarianism, which asserts that actions are best determined by its
outcomes, is intertwined with animal cruelty. This normative theory reinforces the idea that
animal welfare is significant just like human welfare. Many utilitarians condemn murdering
animals for entertainment and to consume. It also implies that we should not just be concerned
about those who exist in the present but also those who will exist in the future. This implies that
we should reduce the risks of animals living in harm (Animal Ethics, 2020).

Moral Implications

People who hurt animals, don't stop with animals. Animal cruelty is an indicator for
future violence such as crimes of murder, assault, rape, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
This is concerning for society as a whole because individuals who behave this manner have the
capacity to escalate violence and specifically target other individuals. Based on a study, 16% of
criminals started off mistreating animals before committing violent crimes against people.But
frequently, criminals begin committing violence to other individuals before proceeding on to do
harm to animals (Arluke et.al, 1999).

Animal cruelty may have negative consequences for child witnesses. It affects their
behavior as it can be a traumatic experience. It is suggested that children who witness such acts
are more likely to abuse animals if the offender is a friend or a relative (Ladny & Meyer, 2019).
Humane education is essential in children as it molds their behavior and breaks the cycle of
cruelty to animals and instead, replaces it with empathy and compassion. It reduces violence as it
builds their moral character and shapes them to become stewards of stable and peaceful societies
in the future.

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

IV. Recommendations

Animal cruelty is one of the ethical issues that are relevant in the Philippines. Although
there are legal frameworks that focus on the welfare of animals, there are still crimes that occur
and cause the demise of these animals. As a fur mom of seven dogs, I think that imposing severe
penalties to offenders of animal cruelty just like any other crimes would make them think twice
and come back to their senses that what they are doing is wrong.

Although we have implemented laws such as the Animal Welfare Act, I don't think that it is
enough because some people commit these kinds of crimes even though the said law was
established. I believe that individuals, especially those who do not have a good relationship with
pets, should be educated about the rights of these human beings. Organizations like PAWS
should strengthen their programs and policies as they tend to reach a massive audience on the
internet.

Persuading others to the “adopt, don’t shop” initiative is a must. It is one of the ways to
lessen animal cruelty in the society. There are numerous stray animals from shelters that became
a victim of neglect because of some reasons like old age. It is beneficial not just for the animals
but also to humans since an individual who decides to adopt not just saves the lives of the
animals but also other animals that need to be accommodated and rehabilitated. Adopting may
also cost less because some shelters, before making the animals up for adoption, provide
extensive medical care to animals such as neutering, parasite preventions, and vaccinations.

Moreover, as an individual supporting animal welfare and its organizations can do a big
help in preventing animal cruelty and improving their welfare. A small donation or volunteering
in such organizations can make others get educated and have extensive impacts to the lives of the
animals.

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

V. Requiem

Animals are sentient beings that deserve the right to life and live a good life such as
humans. They enrich human life as they provide companionship and support towards individuals.
However, despite the love and care that they bring, the rampant societal issue of animal cruelty is
pervasive. One instance is the killing of Killua, a golden retriever who caused individuals to
demand the government to improve its frameworks focusing on the rights of animals.

Animal Cruelty raises significant ethical and moral concerns. In the context of Ethical
Implications, animals should not be deprived of their lives and be free from maltreatment.
Utilitarianism, which is a normative theory advocates for animal welfare and condemns cruelty
as it evaluates human actions based on its outcomes. Moreover, the moral implications of animal
cruelty is linked through the future conduct of humans as studies show that it is an indicator of
other kinds of violence. Instilling empathy and compassion can combat these as it alleviate their
morals and fosters an ideal society in the future.

In the context of legal frameworks, the government tends to prevent animal cruelty by
establishing laws that highlight animal welfare and protection such as the Animal Welfare Act
and the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. These frameworks promote animal welfare and impose
sanctions to individuals who commit animal-related crime. Aside from legislation, organizations
such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) rescues animals and provides extensive
care for those animals that had experienced neglect and maltreatment from their previous
owners.

As responsible and compassionate citizens of the society, Individuals must promote

animal welfare and hinder animal cruelty as animals are also considered as humans that we share
the Earth with. Let us serve as their voices and speak up for them as they just want to live a good
life in their short lifespan.

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

VI. Message to your professor

To our dear professor, Sir Jumel,

I would like to thank you for the meaningful and memorable experiences that you’ve
shared with us during our Ethics class. During the first week, I thought that you are the kind of
professor who tends to be serious and strict during our class because although the course is a
minor subject, Ethics plays a vital role in our lives. However, my impressions were wrong. You
are a kind of a professor who doesn’t burden his students, and we (PSC22) thank you for that.

Although the semester is over, I believe that Ethics still continues to teach us valuable
lessons as we face struggles in the real world. It molds our character and determines our capacity
on how we react and perceive things as our circumstances alleviate as we grow older. Thank you
for the lessons and life-lessons that you’ve taught us. I will forever cherish these learnings as I
continue my journey in life. I wish you all the best, Sir Jumel!

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 De La Salle University-Dasmarinas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
SOSC004 (Ethics)

VI. References

Animal Ethics. (2020). Utilitarianism. Animal-Ethics.org.

https://www.animal-ethics.org/utilitarianism/‌

Arnold Arluke et al., “The Relationship of Animal Abuse to Violence and Other Forms of

Antisocial Behavior,” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 14, no. 9 (September 1999): 963-975,

accessed May 21, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1177/088626099014009004.

BORDEY, H. (2024). Killing of dog “Killua” slammed in Senate. GMA News Online.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/901076/killing-of-dog-killua-slammed-in-s

enate/story/

Cosgrove, N. (2022, July 14). 10 Philippines Pet Ownership Statistics to Know in 2024 –

Dogster. Dogster. https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/pet-ownership-statistics-philippines

Jairo Bolledo. (2024, March 21). Animal cruelty is a crime. What to do when someone harms

your pet? RAPPLER.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/things-to-do-when-someone-hurts-pets-animals/

Roshni Trehan Ladny, & Meyer, L. (2019). Traumatized Witnesses: Review of Childhood

Exposure to Animal Cruelty. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 13(4), 527–537.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-019-00277-x