Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday proposed to include an animal welfare provision in the final version of the franchise bill for the Hapi Jockey Club.
Cayetano made the suggestion after the Senate voted 21-1-1 on House Bill 8753 or the franchise for Hapi Jockey Club, Inc. to construct, operate, and maintain race tracks for horse racing in Batangas, Laguna, And Cavite.
She abstained from voting while Senator Joel Villanueva voted against the franchise bill.
In explaining her vote, Cayetano said there was a “big problem” with Filipinos accumulating gambling debts with some even committing suicide due to this.
Apart from this, the senator noticed that HB 8753 as amended by the Senate, had no provision for animal welfare.
“I was not around during the period of interpellation, so with the kindness of our sponsor, I would like to submit a provision that I would like the sponsor to consider during the [bicameral conference]. Basically, a welfare provision just to ensure that the animals are well cared for,” she said.
Although she noted that these horses were thoroughbreds, Cayetano wanted to ensure that these would still be taken care of even if they are no longer competing.
“The problem is if they are injured beyond repair, if they will no longer be competitive. And we just want to be assured that they will be taken care of. They will be adopted on a farm or wherever where they will still have a good life with people who will enjoy them despite they’re no longer being competitive horse-racing animals,” she said.
Senate Public Services chairperson Grace Poe welcomed Cayetano’s proposal. — DVM, GMA News
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