PHILIPPINES
Renewed Pressure For Stronger Animal Welfare Laws
Calls for stronger animal welfare legislation are growing in the Philippines as lawmakers consider proposals intended to improve the treatment of animals and strengthen accountability for cruelty.
The proposed Animal Life Advocacy and Guardianship (ALAGA) Act would introduce tougher penalties for animal cruelty, establish an independent animal welfare commission and improve conditions in municipal pounds. It also seeks to make humane population management, including trapping, neutering, vaccination and return, a greater priority for local authorities.
The legislation has not yet been passed. Its progress will be an important test of whether growing concern about animal cruelty can be translated into meaningful protections for animals, particularly those living on the streets or entering government facilities.
IRELAND
Government Allocates €20.4 Million To Greyhound Racing
Ireland’s government has allocated €20.4 million to greyhound racing in Budget 2027, despite continuing concerns about animal welfare within the industry.
The funding decision has renewed criticism of public financial support for greyhound racing, particularly in relation to racing injuries, deaths and the fate of dogs once their racing careers end.
Greyhound Racing Ireland has welcomed the allocation and maintains that animal welfare is a priority. However, questions remain about whether existing protections and oversight are sufficient to safeguard the dogs involved.
The decision comes as other jurisdictions move towards ending greyhound racing, placing Ireland’s continued investment in the industry under increasing scrutiny.
MALAYSIA
More Than 37,000 Animal Welfare Complaints Recorded
Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services received 37,043 animal welfare complaints between January 2020 and September 2026, highlighting the scale of concerns being reported across the country.
Of those complaints, 6,749 were addressed under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. Reported welfare issues included inadequate food, unsuitable living conditions, failure to provide veterinary treatment and incidents involving injury or suffering.
Malaysia has legislation intended to protect animals from cruelty and neglect, but the figures raise questions about enforcement capacity, the handling of complaints and whether sufficient resources are available to investigate and respond to reported abuse.
KUWAIT
Stricter Dog Ownership And Rabies Prevention Rules Introduced
Kuwait has introduced new requirements for dog owners, including compulsory licensing, official identification and annual rabies vaccination.
Dogs must also undergo veterinary examinations, while owners are required to keep them leashed and muzzled in public places. Those who fail to comply may face fines or imprisonment.
The measures are intended to improve public safety, disease prevention and responsible ownership. Their implementation will determine how effectively the new requirements protect both animals and communities.
LAOS
Government Strengthens Rabies Prevention Programme
Laos is strengthening its efforts to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030, with vaccination and improved disease surveillance central to its approach.
The government is reviewing its national rabies prevention strategy for 2026–2030, working with international partners to improve coordination between public health and veterinary authorities.
Gaps remain in dog vaccination coverage, public awareness and access to preventative treatment following potential exposure.
Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in at-risk communities is recognised as an effective means of interrupting rabies transmission. Expanding vaccination coverage offers a route to protecting human health while avoiding indiscriminate killing of dogs.
IRELAND
Government Considers Recommendations From Dog Control Review
Ireland’s government has received the report of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, established in 2024 to examine existing dog control legislation and policy.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed on 8 October that the recommendations are being considered alongside the development of a national Animal Welfare Strategy.
The review could influence future rules governing responsible ownership, dog control and the responsibilities of local authorities.
The report has not yet been published, leaving its recommendations and the government’s intended response unknown.
End of Bulletin