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, based in Quezon City, Philippines. It was founded in 1954 by Muriel Jay. 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, but only victims of cruelty or neglect where the animal offenders are charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act in court.
History 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 late 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.
Programs and advocacies 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:
The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines and The Anti-Rabies Act PAWS has been actively lobbying for better laws concerning animal welfare.
RA 8485 – The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines 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.
RA 9482 – The Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 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 on 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.
Aspin and Puspin
An Aspin is a mixed-breed dog in the Philippines, while Puspin is a mixed-breed cat. PAWS encourages the use of the term “Aspin” (Asong Pinoy) and “Puspin” (Pusang Pinoy) instead of “Askal” and “Pusakal”, because it showed that native dogs were just as cute, intelligent and as loyal as their purebred counterparts. Aspin and Puspin are now the politically correct term for native Filipino dog and cat breeds. The PAWS Aspin Club is a non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission composed of native or mixed-breed dogs and their owners who want Aspins to get proper recognition and treatment in the Philippines. PAWS started the Aspin Club to promote all animal advocates’ lifelong dream of promoting the beauty and dignity of our local breed. The club provides an opportunity for owners to socialize their Aspins through fun pet activities like dog walks, pet photography sessions, canine picnics, basic obedience lessons, and such. It also aims to promote the welfare of Aspins through education, lobbying and campaigns.
Dr. Dog program Dr. Dog is an animal-assisted therapy program founded by Jill Robinson, MBE of Animals Asia Foundation. Dr. Dog is a program run by Animals Asia. PAWS is Animals Asia's Philippine coordinator. PAWS' Dr. Dog program brings loving therapy dogs to children's hospitals all over the Manila metro area. In 1997, "Pakko",a German Shepherd, was the first Dr. Dog. Dr. Dog provides comfort and emotional healing for disabled children, and educates the public about the value of animals in our society. In the Philippines, there are still people who still support the idea of killing and consuming dogs. PAWS hopes to change that by demonstrating how beneficial they are to humans.
Humane education PAWS continues to work with Local Government Units in the Philippines in providing Humane Education and Responsible Pet Ownership Seminars to communities. PAWS also conduct different educational programs to promote Humane Education for students. These include school tours and visits; student interviews and lectures. PAWS Humane Education lectures include safety around animals, responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and rights, proper management of animal control facilities among other things.
Animal captivity PAWS is opposed to the capture of all animals for commercial, entertainment and sporting purposes. PAWS is for the phase-out of zoos. On the argument that there is no longer any place for these animals to be released to and those zoos ‘protect’ these species, PAWS believes that more effort should go into the preservation of these animals’ habitat. In the interim, PAWS will work on the improvement of the condition of animals in zoos and constantly remind zoo owners that they have a responsibility to give every animal humane, professional care.
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