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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House bill slaps lifetime animal ownership ban on animal cruelty law offenders

House bill slaps lifetime animal ownership ban on animal cruelty law offenders

Published May 7, 2026 11:53 pm

At A Glance

  • Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario files HB No. 9126 seeking a lifetime ban on animal ownership for individuals convicted of animal cruelty.
  • The bill also proposes the creation of a National Animal Offender Registry to prevent offenders from acquiring new animals through pet shops, breeders, shelters, or private sales.
  • Almario emphasizes that cruelty has permanent consequences.
Little Giggles (Contributed by Kathleen Jean Forbes)
Little Giggles (Contributed by Kathleen Jean Forbes)


If Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario would have his way, he would impose a lifetime prohibition on animal ownership for any person convicted of animal cruelty.
This deserved lifetime animal ownership ban in the main goal of House Bill (HB) No. 9126, filed by Almario in the ongoing 20th Congress.
The bill amends Republic Act (RA) No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, by adding a perpetual ownership ban as an accessory penalty to existing imprisonment and fines, which ranges from P30,000 to P100,000.
"Some may argue that the fines, which ranges from P30,000 to P100,000, are merely a slap on the wrist as they fail to effectively discourage repeat offenses," the measure read.
Almario said: "Convicted animal abusers can walk into any pet store or shelter the next day and start the cycle over again. That is a gap in the law, and it is the gap this bill closes."
"Those who forfeit their right to care for animals through violence should never get that right back," underscored the "Young Guns" bloc member.
The measure also bats for the creation of a National Animal Offender Registry as another key feature.
Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The proposed National Animal Offender Registry would serve as the enforcement backbone; a verification database to prevent convicted offenders from acquiring new animals through pet shops, breeders, shelters, or private sales.
"Animal welfare is not just a secondary concern; it is a reflection of our societal values. By enacting these stricter measures. we send a clear message that cruelty will no longer be tolerated and that the law will finally possess the necessary power to champion the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves," read HB No. 9126.
Almario said the bill envisions a collaborative model with established animal welfare organizations, including the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. and the Feline Council of the Philippines, Inc., to ensure compliance monitoring on the ground.
"We have laws against repeat offenders for crimes against people. It is time we extended that same logic to crimes against the voiceless," Almario said.
"By closing this door, we are telling every Filipino household, every shelter, every breeder: cruelty has consequences, and they are permanent," noted the Mindanao lawmaker.

Related Tags

Cheeno Miguel Almario Animal cruelty Lifetime animal ownership ban
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