PETA reminds public: Animal cruelty punishable by jail time, fines after aspin shot with arrow

Following the report of another aspin getting shot with an arrow, animal welfare advocates issued a stern reminder to the public: animal cruelty is a criminal offense in the Philippines, with perpetrators facing significant legal repercussions.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the poor dog was hurt in Murcia, a municipality in Negros Occidental.

The alarming news follows the recovery of TikTok, another aspin who was rescued by BACH Project PH after being found with five arrows pierced into her body in the same town.

Such acts are a direct violation of Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. The law imposes clear and severe penalties, categorized by the gravity of the offense.

"Iba-ibang category kasi 'yan eh. Ganitong kaso katulad kay TikTok, around six to 12 months ang puwedeng iparusa at pagmultahin ng P30,000. Kung namatay siya, parusa dito ay 18 to 24 months nang pagkakakulong at multa na P100,000," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Philippines senior campaign manager Jana Sevilla said.

BACH volunteer Nana Faulve urged people to stop hurting animals.

"Kung hindi n'yo po kaya silang mahalin, please lang po po huwag po natin silang saktan kasi meron din silang instinct na to love us human din po," she said.

Last Sunday, TikTok joined and finished a fun run after recovering from his injuries.

BACH happily reported that TikTok is "not just surviving, but thriving!" —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News