What is the penalty for animal cruelty resulting in death in the Philippines?

As the internet mourns a pet dog who was beaten to death in Camarines Sur, netizens pose the question: What is the penalty for such a crime under Philippine law?

In an episode of "Ask Atty. Gaby" on Wednesday, GMA resident lawyer Atty. Gaby Concepcion said that animals are protected under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

"Lahat ng forms of cruelty to animals, o ang pagmamaltrato sa mga ito, bawal. 'Yung na-e-expose lamang ang mga ito sa unnecessary fear, distress, harassment o discomfort ay bawal na, eh mas lalo na ang walang mabuting dahilan sa pagpatay ng mga hayop," she said.

Certain exemptions include instances when the pet has an incurable illness or poses a danger to the safety of people.

However, putting the animals down has to be done in a humane manner.

"Bawal 'yung kukuha lamang kayo ng tubo at papatayin ito," Atty. Concepcion said.

Violations of the Animal Welfare Act resulting in an animal's death is punishable by up to two years in jail, and a fine of up to P100,000.

Atty. Concepcio added that animals must be cared for properly, and that overcrowding of shelters is illegal.

"Bawal din ang pag-abandona ng ating mga alaga," she said. "So actually parang halos tao na nga ang turing sa ating mga fur pets sa ganyang aspeto."

Over the weekend, a labrador retriever named Killua was beaten to death by a neighbor in Camarines Sur. Killua's death has become a trending topic on social media. —JCB, GMA Integrated News