Is There a Conflict Between the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and the Animal Welfare Act?

Abstract

In a biosphere where both men and animals are working with each other, there are certain rules that should be applied. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 is an act made by the government of the Philippines to protect and preserve the existence and culture of indigenous cultural communities. The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 is a form of legislation made for the protection and well-being of animals. Alongside the preservation of indigenous people’s traditions are their religious rituals and survival practices which involves killing of animals. It is important that laws are implemented well. But for laws that concern safeguarding both human and animals, it is but relevant to question as to who should come first? What are the limitations of these laws? Primary sourcing was done by the researcher. Through interviews with the people of expertise and information gathering on the concerned government agencies and non-govemment organizations, the conflicts between the two decrees were explored and the sides of each became more vivid.