“If you take care of any kind of animal or pet, that’s your responsibility!”
These were the words of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the public service program CIA with BA discussed the responsibilities of pet owners, particularly of dogs, in its recent episode.
In the “Payong Kapatid” segment on Sunday, August 27, Josefina Macaranas Esteban sought advice from sibling senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano after being bitten by a dog owned by her neighbor Sheena last month.
According to Josefina, the pet owner initially agreed to cover her medical expenses, including the cost of the anti-rabies vaccine, which initially amounted to about P15,000. However, Sheena later informed her that she couldn’t pay the full amount and asked for only half of it.
Fortunately, she was seeking advice from the right people, as Senator Pia Cayetano authored the Anti-Rabies Act back in 2007.
“When we crafted this law, we were conscious that at that time, we were one of five countries in the world with rabies,” shared Pia. “They say ‘a dog is a man’s best friend,’ so our purpose was to create an environment where this supposed best friend of humans wouldn’t harm others.”
The law outlines the responsibilities of pet owners, one of which is “to be sure that the dog is not allowed to roam around the street or any public place without a leash.”
“So even if it’s in front of her house but it’s on the sidewalk and the dog is not on a leash, that’s already a violation,” Pia explained.
“The law goes on to say that if someone’s dog bites someone, like in your case, the dog owner should shoulder the medical expenses. Our law is very clear on this, and I’m very proud of it. If the owner refuses to pay, there’s a fine of P25,000. So technically, Sheena owes an additional 25k,” she further explained. “And by the way, there’s a difference between refusing to pay and being unable to pay. If you have properties, even if you don’t have cash… it’s completely different when you have absolutely nothing to give, when you’re really at zero.”
Senator Alan emphasized, “You can indeed claim damages if someone has done something to you that caused harm. What’s good about this law is that there’s a specified amount and a valid reason.”
“And by the way, there’s a difference between refusing to pay and not being able to pay, because if you have properties, even if you don’t have cash, it’s completely different when you have nothing at all to give,” he added.
“The law is on your side,” Pia concluded, assuring Josefina that a lawyer would assist her.
‘CIA with BA‘ continues the legacy of Senator Rene Cayetano, the late father of sibling senators Alan and Pia. The senior Cayetano was a renowned lawyer who gained fame through his radio and TV program ‘Compañero y Compañera,’ which aired from 1997 to 2001.
Don’t miss CIA with BA with Alan, Pia, and award-winning TV host Boy Abunda every Sunday at 11:30 p.m. on GMA7.