Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES © RECEIVED’
Quezon City pate 97 JUL 2075
3 TIME 7:00 #4
‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS \ lee
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1444

Introduced by the Honorable ANIELA BIANCA D. TOLENTINO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A balanced and healthful ecology is one of the hallmark state policies that is
enshrined in the Constitution, to wit: “The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature” [Section 16, Article Il, 1987 Constitution]. This aim of the
country to have a balanced and healthful ecology necessarily includes the proper and
humane way of taking care of animals.

The Philippines have gone a long way in upholding animal rights, our country
have stringent laws against animal abuse and Filipinos are generally very kind to pets.
However, this kindness to pets resulted to an overpopulation of stray dogs and cats.
News articles about the matter can easily be found. The People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-governmental organization, found made a
statement that: “Animal homelessness has reached a crisis point in the Philippines.
While countless dogs and cats struggle to survive on the streets, hundreds are
euthanized every month in municipal pounds.”

As such, there is a need to have a mechanism that will resolve the issue on the
overpopulation of stray animals, thru the promotion of adoption. The proposed law
herein seeks to protect the welfare of every animal, including stray and impounded pets,
and ensure that their needs are adequately met. The bill herein also incentivizes the
adoption of stray animals.

For the Filipino people, approval of the foregoing bill is earnestly being sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1444

Introduced by the Honorable ANIELA BIANCA D. TOLENTINO

AN ACT PROMOTING THE WELFARE AND ADOPTION OF STRAY AND
IMPOUNDED ANIMALS, PROVIDING INCENTIVES THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Deciaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect the welfare of every
animal, including stray and impounded pets, and ensure that their needs are adequately
met. The State recognizes that the responsibility for the welfare of animals is not solely
limited to the authorities. Thus, this law aims at promoting responsible pet adoption,
Providing stray and impounded animal proper protection.

SECTION 2. Provision for Adoption.
€) All impounded and stray animals shall be given the opportunity for adoption.
b) The local government units (LGU) shall develop and implement programs to
promote and facilitate adoption of impounded and stray animals, including but
not limited to the establishment of adoption centers, pet fairs, and incentives
for adopters.
c) Adoption of impounded and stray animals shall be considered as a tax is incentive
for a percentage of the real property tax of the adoptee.

SECTION 3. Certificate of Adoption by LGUs. LGUs shall issue certificate of adoption in
accordance with the guidelines to be provided by the Bureau of Animal Industry for purposes
of the tax incentive benefit stated in Sec. 2(c) of this Act.

SECTION 4. Provision for Corporations.


(a) Corporations that promote adoption of impounded and stray animals by their
employees may apply for tax deduction on expenses incurred in compliance to this Act.

(b) Corporations are encouraged to establish pet-friendly policies that promote responsible
pet ownership, including but not limited to pet insurance, pet care services, and pet-
friendly workspaces.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days after its signing
into law, the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Finance, shall
issue the appropriate implementing rules and regulations for the application of this Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
administrative orders, and rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,