The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia named Senator Grace Poe as its 2024 Person of the Year in the Philippines.
In a press statement released on Friday, PETA Asia Senior Vice President Jason Baker praised Poe for her efforts to expand free spay and neuter services for cats and dogs across the country.
Baker emphasized that this initiative would help prevent the birth of countless homeless animals destined to suffer on the streets and highlighted Poe’s dedication to improving animal welfare nationwide.
“PETA Asia is delighted to honor Senator Grace Poe as our 2024 Person of the Year,” said Baker. “We urge everyone to follow her lead by speaking up for animals in need and ensuring companion animals are spayed or neutered.”
The organization also acknowledged Poe’s work on Senate Bill No. 2458, also known as the Revised Animal Welfare Act. The bill aims to address the overpopulation of homeless animals by allocating government funds for free sterilization services.
It also includes provisions for disaster relief for animals, stricter enforcement of animal welfare standards, harsher penalties for violators, and the deputization of trained volunteers as Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers to aid in rescuing abused and neglected animals.
PETA, along with other animal welfare groups, has been actively involved in Poe’s technical working group, where they proposed amendments such as banning the importation of elephants into the Philippines.
Senate Bill No. 2458 is currently pending at the committee level.
In March, Poe delivered a privilege speech condemning the widespread neglect, abuse, and torture of animals despite the existence of laws against animal cruelty. She and several other senators even brought their pets to a plenary session to underscore the importance of animal welfare.
In response to the recognition, Poe thanked PETA, calling the distinction a “badge of honor.”
“Our spay-and-neuter advocacy is a key component of Senate Bill No. 2458, which we hope will soon become law. These services must be made accessible and affordable, if not free, for pet owners,” Poe said.
She added that the collective efforts of PETA, other animal welfare organizations, and individual advocates inspired her to continue championing animal rights.
“As one advocate once said, it takes nothing away from humans to be kind to animals. Showing compassion for our furry friends is a lifetime cause,” she concluded. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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