Philippine Animal Welfare Society
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| Founded | 1954 |
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| Founder | Muriel Jay |
| Focus | Animal Welfare |
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| Slogan | "PAWS exists to prevent cruelty, alleviate pain, fear and suffering in animals, and to promote a society based on humane principles." |
| Website | PAWS official website |
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a volunteer-based, non-government organization whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy. PAWS believes that the creation of a more peaceful society starts with the widening of mankind’s circle of compassion which includes animals, thereby envisions a nation that respects animals, practices responsible pet ownership and protects wildlife. The volunteer-based organization rehabilitates these animals in the hope of finding them new homes and a second chance at a good life. PAWS does not take in pets of other people, only victims of cruelty or neglect where the animal offenders are charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act in court.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society was founded in 1954 by Muriel Jay, a British educator who was then residing in the Philippines. She handpicked the first wave of members. Nita Hontiveros, one of the younger members then, recalls that the group would make stuffed toys and other items which the members would then sell to raise funds. Other activities included a clinic to provide services to injured animals.
When Muriel Jay went back to England, PAWS became less active and eventually slipped into dormancy. In 1986, Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, the current PAWS President, reorganized PAWS with a handful of volunteers composing of veterinarians,educators and people from other professions. They became the original board of Directors.
PAWS is against the abuse of animals in any form. For years, the organization defended animals and reminded the people of animal rights by organizing different programs. Here are some of the organization’s successful and on-going projects and programs:
PAWS has been actively lobbying for better laws concerning animal welfare.
Since its reorganization in 1986, PAWS has been actively lobbying for the Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines. However, the government was still not ready for it by that time. A revised Animal Welfare Bill was drawn up and diligently pursued by the organization in the Senate and in Congress. On February 11, 1998, the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (also known as Republic Act 8485) was signed into law by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos.
After months of lobbying by DA, BAI, NMIS, vet groups and other animal welfare NGOs, the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 or the Republic Act 9482 was signed into law by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in May 25, 2007.
The program involves the mass vaccination of dogs, establishment of a central database system for registered and vaccinated dogs, impounding,field control and disposition of stray and unvaccinated dogs. It also calls for information and education campaign on the prevention and control of rabies, pre-exposure treatment of high-risk personnel and post-exposure treatment of animal bite victims, free routine immunization of schoolchildren aged 5 to 14 in areas where there is high incidence of rabies and encouragement of responsible pet ownership.
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Wikipedia