Get free legal aid for animal cruelty this Feb. 15—here's how

Ever felt that anger when you see a stray being mistreated or hear about someone neglecting their pet? There are times when we want to stand up for those neglected but don't know where to turn. How do you file a report? What counts as a crime under the law?

If you've ever asked yourself those, here's some good news. As part of its first anniversary, legal network AskAbogado has teamed up with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society to provide free legal consultations for qualified animal cruelty cases on Sunday, Feb. 15.

AskAbogado and PAWS are looking to support the following cases:

• Physical abuse or maltreatment of animals,
• neglect, abandonment, or failure to provide proper care,
• killing of animals in a cruel or unlawful manner,
• dog fighting, horse fighting, and other acts punishable under the Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act 8485, as amended by Republic Act 10631).

“Join us as we use the law to protect those who can’t speak for themselves—and celebrate one year of making legal help more accessible,” they wrote.

More details on eligible beneficiaries and registration instructions will be provided soon.

According to PAWS, only 8 of the 673 reported cases of animal cruelty proceeded with filing a case in 2024.

"Only 8 were willing to take the proper steps, submit their witness affidavits, and stand firm for justice alongside PAWS. What is the point of our laws if we do not actively make use of them? It is high time we empower one another to take a firm stand against animal cruelty. It’s easy to share, tag, and repost online, but the true measure of our commitment is in our willingness to act," they wrote.