TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1276
Senate
l0ffltP of ll)i' !T; rMl^)
25 AUG 27 PI 31 
\
RtCEIVEO DV.
Introduced by SENATOR MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS, ENACTING A REVISED 
ANIMAL WELFARE ACT, THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485, AS 
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10631, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Majority of Filipino consider pets as part of their family, some even consider 
themselves as fur-parents and treat their pets as their own sons or daughters. They 
shower them love, care for the m and provide for their needs. Some celebrate their 
pet's bark-day, send them to groomers for pampering, and even mourn their passing.
However, not all animals are treated the same. While some are given a burial 
when they die, some suffer beating and cruelty in their short lifetime. Some have 
comfortable beds, snacks, and treats prepared, while some are abandoned and 
neglected.
Despite the existing laws that protect animal rights and the existence of animal 
groups and advocates that fight for their welfare, animal cruelty, killing, and even 
eating, particularly of dogs, is still rampant. The rules and policies against animal 
abuse and the fair treatment of animals are being ignored.
As such, there is a need to raise the country's animal welfare standard and 
implement stricter rules and policies, as well as heighten their implementation and 
enforcement. The repeal of the existing Animal Welfare law and the reform and 
strengthening of its provisions are already due.


In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. No. 1276
^euntr
yiBiUct of till' H ft(U7>
25 AUG 27 PI :31
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
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AN ACT
STRENGTHENING ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS, ENACTING A REVISED 
ANIMAL WELFARE ACT, THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485, AS 
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10631, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section. 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "The Revised Animal Welfare
Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to 
protect life, liberty, and property, which includes the promotion of animal welfare by 
establishing a system of supervision and regulation to ensure humane treatment in all 
aspects of the keeping, maintaining, handling, transporting, breeding, training, 
treating, and use of animals. Good animal welfare involves adherence to the five basic 
freedoms of animals, namely:
(1) Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition;
(2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
(3) Freedom from injury and disease;
(4) Freedom to express normal behaviors; and
(5) Freedom from fear and distress.
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all programs, activities, and 
undertakings of individuals, corporations, associations, organizations, or entities.


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including but not limited to animai producers, small-hold farmers, private entities, or
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government agencies, that:
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a. Handle, breed, train, keep, care for, transport, exhibit, display, use, or
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otherwise interact with any animals, whether as pets, livestock, wildlife, or
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animals used for education, entertainment, or show; or
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b. Own, operate, or maintain any facility that interacts with animals.
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c. To protect and promote animal health through the maintenance of adequate,
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clean, and sanitary facilities used in the keeping, breeding, treating, and
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training of animals;
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d. To promote responsible pet ownership through education and information
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dissemination;
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e. To regulate the operation and maintenance of animal facilities or any
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establishment where animals are kept for whatever reason or purpose;
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f. To formulate rules and regulations that wiii ensure the promotion of animai
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welfare in the establishment, maintenance, and operation of any pet shop,
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kennel, national or local government pound, shelter, slaughterhouse, veterinary
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clinic, veterinary hospital, stockyard, corral, stud farm, or stock farm or zoo for
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the breeding, raising, treatment, sale or trading, or training of animals;
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g. To establish inter-agency, multi-sectoral, and local government cooperation
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for the promotion and protection of animai weifare;
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h. To create an agency and establish an organizational structure that will
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effectively implement the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant to it;
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i. To promote public awareness and concern for caring for animals and their
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welfare.
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Sec. 5. Animal Welfare 
Principles. - Animal welfare standards, practices, 8
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policies, and regulations must be based on the following principles:
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a. Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by
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Balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with
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consideration of ethical and societal values;
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b. Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and
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an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful
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consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior;


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c. Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and
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suffering; Conservation and management of animal populations should be
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humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent;
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d. Protection of animal habitat is an animal welfare consideration;
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e. Consider the five basic freedoms of animals:
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(1) Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition;
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(2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
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(3) Freedom from injury and disease;
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(4) Freedom to conform to essential behavioral patterns; and
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(5) Freedom from fear and distress.
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f. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and,
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when necessary, provided with a humane death.
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Sec. 6. Definitions. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
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(1) Animals refer to domesticated vertebrate and invertebrate species under the
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control of man, which may be food-producing, companion, laborers, aquatic, or
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laboratory. The term excludes humans;
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(2) Animal Welfare pertains to the physical and psychological well-being of animals.
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It includes, but is not limited to, the avoidance of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty,
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and exploitation of animals by humans by maintaining appropriate standards of
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accommodation, feeding, and general care, the prevention and treatment of
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disease, and the assurance of freedom from fear, distress, harassment and
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unnecessary discomfort and pain and allowing animals to express natural
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behavior;
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(3) Animal Facility refers to any facility, structure, or premises used for the purpose
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of keeping, caring, breeding, rearing, holding, gaming, training, trading, treating,
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or exhibiting animals, including but not limited to farms, zoos, aviaries, apiaries,
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kennels, race tracks, cockpits, pet shops, shelter, national or local government
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pounds, animal rescue centers, airports, and seaports quarantine stations,
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animal holding facilities, stables, livestock markets, stockyards, corrals, stud
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farms, stock farms, slaughterhouses, aquaria, laboratories, veterinary clinics, and
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veterinary hospitals;


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(4) Animal fighting venture refers to any event, show, exhibition, program, or other
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activity that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between two or more
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animals for purposes of sport, wagering, amusement, or entertainment;
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(5) Animal Welfare Enforcement Officer refers to the Philippine National Police,
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National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, citizens'
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groups, community organizations, and other volunteer members of NGOs, and
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Peoples organizations designated as such enforcement officers by the Secretary
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of Agriculture;
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(6) Bureau xefexs to the Animal Welfare Bureau;
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{7)Captive Animal refers to animals that are confined for educational or recreational
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purposes in places such as but not limited to zoos, sanctuaries, rescue centers,
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sea or ocean facility, and the like;
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(8) Department refers to the Department of Agriculture;
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(9) Director refers to the individual in charge of the Animal Welfare Bureau;
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(10) Euthanasia refers to the Bureau approved process or method of painless death
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of animals;
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(11) Keeper refers to any person who owns, possesses, or has control or custody
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over an animal;
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(12) Local Government Unit (LGU) refers to the Province, City, or Municipalities
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(13) Pets refers to documented or otherwise, or domestic animals intended for
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companionship, therapy, seeing and hearing guides, recreation and value
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formation, and breeding such as but not limited to dogs, cats, fishes, rabbits,
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rodents, reptiles, and birds that are either acquired locally or through importation
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under government rules and regulations;
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(14) Person refers to any individual, corporation, company, business, enterprise,
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association, partnership, syndicate, trust, or other entity;
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(15) Reporter refers to any person who reports a suspected violation of any provision
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of this Act to the proper authorities;
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(16) Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
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(17) Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) refers to a legal action
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filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal recourse that any


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person, institution, or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement
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of this Act;
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(18) Transport Facility refers to any transportation public or private, whether air,
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water, or land including tricycles and the like used to transport animals to a
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particular destination;
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(19) Wild animal refers to any individual of a species that is not normally
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domesticated in the Philippines, including those in captivity under the control of
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a person. Furthermore, the Bureau may define such other terms as may be used
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in the implementation of this Act;
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CHAPTER II
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THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU
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Sec. 7. Animal Welfare Bureau - is hereby created as a line bureau under the
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Department of Agriculture. It shall establish regional, provincial and municipal offices
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as may be appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively and efficiently the
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provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 8. Functions of the Bureau. - As a line bureau, it shall have the following
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functions:
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(1) Formulate policies, guidelines, standards, rules, and regulations for the
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effective implementation of this Act;
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(2) Provide minimum standards on the appropriate food, water, and shelter for
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each species of pet and animals depending on the age, breed, size, and special
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needs thereof;
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(3) In consultation with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation
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Franchising Regulatory Board, Civil Aeronautics Board, the Maritime Industry,
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other transport regulating body or agencies, experts, and animal welfare
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groups, set a species-specific standard for transportation of animals, including
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definitions for cruel confinement and restraint during transport, appropriate
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designs for transport cages and facilities, restraint types, provision of food and
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water, ventilation, and protection from extreme weather conditions;
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(4) Establish an emergency animal response and rescue system to appropriately
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respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, earthquakes,
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and other natural disasters;


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(5) Promulgate guidelines for humane slaughter of animals, in consultation with
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the National Meat Inspection Service, local government units and other
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concerned government agencies;
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(6) Implement a system for inspection of animal facilities to ensure compliance
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with animal welfare standards and regulations;
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(7) Monitor compliance of the local government units with animal welfare
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programs, standards, rules and regulations;
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(8) Ensure proper coordination with non-government organizations, people's
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organizations and academe for the strict implementation of the rules and
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regulations issued;
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(9) Formulate guidelines and qualifications related to research and testing on
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animals;
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(10) To issue, suspend, cancel permits or certifications pursuant to the purposes
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of this Act;
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(11) To levy and collect fees for registration, certification, inspection and
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monitoring system and other fees as the Bureau may deem necessary for the
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effective implementation of this Act;
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(12) Keep records and documents pertaining to animal welfare in the country as
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well as the maintenance of surveillance and management information system
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on animal welfare;
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(13) Create a system and guidelines for the determination or approval of
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applications of certifications, authorizations, and permits necessary for the
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establishment, maintenance, and operation of animal facilities, as well as to
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issue said certifications, authorizations, and permits and to collect associated
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fees;
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(14) To call upon any government agencies for assistance consistent with its
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powers, duties, and responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring the effective
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and efficient implementation of this Act and the rules and regulations
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promulgated thereunder, and it shall be the duty of such government agencies
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to assist the Bureau when called upon for assistance using any available fund
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in its budget for the purpose; and


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(15) Perform such other duties and responsibilities which are necessary to achieve
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the purposes of this Act.
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Sec. 9. Composition of the Bureau. - As a line bureau, the Bureau shall be
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headed by a Director and assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who shall supervise
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the administrative and technical services of the Bureau.
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The Director must possess demonstrated knowledge, training, empathy,
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compassion, and experience in the field of agriculture, biology, animal husbandry,
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veterinary science, veterinary medicine or other similar discipline.
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Sec. 10. Personnei and Staffing Pattern. - Notwithstanding the provisions of
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existing laws, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall require the
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Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry(BAI), as an interim Director of the Bureau
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to submit within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act their recommendation
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on the personnel and staffing pattern of the Bureau and to submit the same to the
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Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission.
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CHAPTER III
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THE ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
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Sec. 11. Deputization of Animat Welfare Enforcement Officers. — The Secretary
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of the Department of Agriculture shall deputize animal welfare enforcement officers
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from non-government organizations, citizens' groups, community organizations, and
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other volunteers who have undergone the necessary training for this purpose.
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The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),
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the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and
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other law enforcement agencies shall designate animal welfare enforcement officers
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who shall assist in the implementation of this Act. In the absence of such enforcement
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officers, the said law enforcement officers shall continue to implement the law under
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their general mandate.
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The animal welfare enforcement officers shall have the full authority to seize
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and rescue illegally traded and maltreated animals and to arrest violators of this Act
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subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations on arrest and detention. Regardless of
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the absence of designated animal welfare enforcement officers in law enforcement,
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the same shall not preclude them from the enforcement of the provisions of this Act.


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The Bureau shall set guidelines in the training, qualification, reporting, and
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coordination of deputized animal welfare enforcement officers to cover the following:
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1. Guidelines on the criteria and training requirements for the deputization of
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animal welfare enforcement officers; and
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2. The mechanism for the supervision, monitoring, and reporting of these
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enforcement officers.
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CHAPTER IV
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BASIC ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING GUIDELINES
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Sec. 12. Provision of Food and Water. - Any keeper of an animal must provide
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the animal with, or arrange to have the animal provided with, access to appropriate
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nutritious food at least once a day, or at a frequency that is typical for the species,
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sufficient to maintain good health; and, if appropriate for the species, continuous
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access to potable water that Is not frozen, and is free of debris, feces, algae, and
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other contaminants. The Bureau shall provide guidelines on the appropriate food,
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water, and shelter for the animals depending on the kind, nature, and special needs
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thereof.
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Sec. 13. Provision of Appropriate Sheiter and Faciiities. - Any keeper of an
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animal must provide such animal with regular access to a shelter that has a solid floor;
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provides protection from the sun, rain, and wind sufficient to maintain good health; is
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regularly cleaned and sanitized; and is large enough for the animal to lie down, fully
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stretch its limbs, turn around freely without any impediment, and stand up, including
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on its hind legs if applicable, allowing the animal to express natural behavior and
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locomotion.
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Sec. 14. Provision of Veterinary Medical Care for Sick, Compromised, or Injured
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Animais - Any keeper of an animal must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the
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physical, health, and behavioral needs of the animals are met in accordance with good
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practice and scientific knowledge. This shall include, at minimum, a hands-on
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examination at least once yearly by a licensed veterinarian; prompt treatment of any
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illness or Injury by a licensed veterinarian; and, where needed, humane euthanasia
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by a licensed veterinarian.
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Sec. 15. Provision of Appropriate Transport Faciiity. - Transport facilities for
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animals must be constructed, provisioned, and utilized in such a way as to avoid
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causing injury or undue suffering to the animais. Transport facilities shall include
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secure cages or restraint systems appropriate for the species being transported, as
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well as adequate ventilation to ensure the comfort and safety of the animal appropriate
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to its nature and size.
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Sec. 16. Provision of Opportunity for Animais to Express Naturai Behaviors
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Inciuding Piay, Provision of Enrichment Activities, and Exercise. - Any keeper of an
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animai must provide such animal regular opportunities to express species-specific
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natural behaviors, for play and exercise in an area of sufficient space, and for
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stimulation through environmental enrichment activities to promote their health and
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welfare. The Bureau in consultation with stakehoiders shall implement a timeline for
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improving farm facilities to comply with the provisions hereof.
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CHAPTER V
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PROHIBITED ACTS
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Sec. 17. Prohibition on Crueity, Maitreatment, Abuse, and Exploitation. — It
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shall be unlawful for any person to torture, abuse, exploit any animal, to neglect to
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provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat any animals, cause or
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procure to be tortured, or deprive such animals of adequate care, sustenance or
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shelter, or maltreat or use the same in 
research or experiments not expressly
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authorized by the Bureau.
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An act of cruelty includes but is not limited to the following:
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(a) Beating, harming, injuring, crushing, mutilating, maiming, disfiguring, stabbing,
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cutting, poisoning, drowning, torturing, tormenting, starving, overworking, or
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abusing an animal, or any other act or omission toward an animal, including
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any act of neglect, causing the animal pain, suffering, or distress, whether
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physical or psychological;
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(b) Exposing an animal to inhumane and unsafe conditions and situations including
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overcrowded, inappropriate, unclean, or unsanitary animal facilities, shelters,
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or transport facilities;
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(c) Killing an animal by way of electrocution or gas chamber or using any petrol or
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diesel exhaust;
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(d) Using an animal in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the
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Bureau; and


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(e) Overworking an animal.
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Sec. 18. Prohibition on Negiect - It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an animal to
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fail to provide such animal with basic care in accordance with Chapter V of this
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Act. It shall also be unlawful for any keeper of an animal to allow such animal
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to roam the streets, resulting in its impoundment by the local impounding
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authority.
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Sec. 19. Prohibition on Kiiiing ofAnimais. - It shall be unlawful for any person to kill
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any animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses,
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or other food animals for human consumption. The killing of pets and animals not
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declared as food animals for human consumption, or causing or procuring the same
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to be killed is prohibited except in the following instances:
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1. When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or
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sect or a ritual required by a tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural
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communities; however, religious or tribal leaders shall keep records in
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accordance with relevant guidelines issued on the matter;
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2. Euthanasia of a pet animal that is afflicted with an incurable communicable
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disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;
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3. When euthanasia of an animal is deemed necessary to put an end to the
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misery suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly licensed
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veterinarian;
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4. When it is done to prevent imminent danger to the life or limb of a human
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being;
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5. When done for the purpose of animal population control as a last resort duly
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certified by the Provincial/City Veterinary Officer;
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6. Euthanasia of an animal by a duly licensed veterinarian after the animal has
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been used in an authorized research or experiment in accordance with
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Section 16 26;
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7. Humane slaughter of a farm animal; or
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8. Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by
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a duly licensed veterinarian. In all of the above-mentioned cases, the killing
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shall at all times be done only through euthanasia or other humane
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procedures approved by the Animal Welfare Bureau. For this purpose.
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humane procedures shall mean the use of the most scientific methods
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available as may be determined by the Bureau.
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Sec. 20. Prohibition on Animai Fights. - It is prohibited to subject animals to
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fights such as but not limited to dog fighting, carabao or bullfighting or horse fighting,
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and the like, not authorized or regulated by law. Any person who participates under
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the circumstances as described herein shall be considered as an accessory in the
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commission of animal fighting and/or abetting in the commission of animal cruelty. It
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shall include but not be limited to pitting one animal with another for the purpose of
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human entertainment, wagering, or sport. In certain instances, one of the animals
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involved may be a "bait animal" used for the ostensible purpose of sport or training.
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The prohibition on animal fights shall include but not be limited to the following:
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(a) Cause, procure, permit, encourage, promote, organize, sponsor, or incite a
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fight in which an animal is pitted against another animal for any purposes
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such as dog fighting and horse fighting and the like;
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(b) Advertise, promote, sell tickets, or otherwise assist in an animal fighting 8
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venture;
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(c) Attend such a fight;
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(d) Breed or train any animal for the purpose of having it fight, engage, or
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otherwise participate in an animal fighting venture;
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(e) Permit an animal fighting venture to take place on any site, structure,
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facility, or other premises under the person's ownership or control;
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(f) Attend, wager on, or otherwise patronize an animal fighting venture; and
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(g) Cause or allow a person who has not yet reached the age of to attend an
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animal fighting venture.
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Animal fighting ventures held during festivities, festivals, fiestas, and the like
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are not exempt from this Section and are strictly prohibited.
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Sec. 21. Prohibition on Dog Meat Trading. - It shall be unlawful for any person
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to engage in the trade of dogs for their meat, which includes the farming or capture,
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transport, sale, or slaughter of dogs and their meat for commercial human
30 
consumption. The trade of dogs shall include but shall not be limited to buying and/or
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selling of dogs, dog meats and carcasses, dog farming, collecting, and/or slaughtering
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of dogs for commercial consumption.
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Sec. 22. Prohibition on Abandonment - It shall be unlawful for any keeper of
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an animal, whether temporary or permanent, to abandon such animal. Animal
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abandonment refers to leaving behind an animal alone or permitting the animal to be
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abandoned in circumstances that might cause them harm.
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Sec. 23. Prohibition on Ear Cropping/ Taii docking, De-vocaiization, and
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Deciawing. -The conduct of ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization, declawing, or
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any other similar mutilation is prohibited as constituting animal cruelty except in cases
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as may be required for the well-being of the animal as determined by a duly licensed
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veterinarian and not for aesthetic purposes. When allowed, the same may only be
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performed by a duly licensed veterinarian.
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Sec. 24. Operating an Animal Facility without a Permit or Certificate. - Operating
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any facility without a necessary permit or certification from the Bureau is hereby
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prohibited.
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CHAPTER VI
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ENFORCEMENT
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Sec. 25. In General. - The Bureau, either independently, or in cooperation with
17 
LCDs, the registered NGOs, Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers, the Philippine
18 
National Police, and other concerned parties, is authorized to carry out enforcement
19 
operations and measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act and to
20 
eradicate, stop and prevent activities prohibited under this Act.
21 
Sec. 26. Visitoriai/Inspection Power. - Owners and/or operators of animal
22 
facilities shall be subjected to regular, as well as random Inspections by the Bureau
23 
on its own or through its deputized agencies and Enforcement Officers to ensure
24 
compliance with the standards set forth by this Act and subsequent rules and
25 
regulations. Fines and suspension or revocation of certificates, as provided in the
26 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act shall be imposed in case of non-
27 
compliance.
28 
Sec. 27. Apprehension of Offending Person/s. - Any person who has knowledge
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or Information about the commission of any of the prohibited acts heretofore cited
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may refer the same to the law enforcement authority or to the Animal Welfare Bureau
31 
and/or its deputized animal welfare enforcement officers, and other law enforcement
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agencies for appropriate action. The procedure in the filing of criminal charges shall
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be as prescribed by the rules of criminal procedure contained in the Rules of Court.
3 
Sec. 28. Seizure of Effects. - Any items seized, including animals, pursuant to
4 
arrests made for violation of any provision of this Act shall be held by any person,
5 
facility, or organization, authorized by the Bureau, including the LGUs, the law
6 
enforcement agencies or any Bureau-accredited NGO pending disposition of
7 
administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings.
8 
Animals seized shall be referred to Bureau-accredited animal facilities. For
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wildlife, the same shall be referred to the DENR - BMB, without prejudice to the latter's
10 
referral or transfer of the animals to other animal facilities provided it has better and
11 
more suited facilities. Any animals seized and/or rescued from any inhumane condition
12 
or facility shall be immediately relieved from such condition or situation without
13 
prejudice to the immediate conduct of proper documentation such as photographing
14 
for purposes of preserving evidence.
15 
Sec. 29. Rescue of Animals in an Enclosed Facility. - Any animals found to have
16 
been kept, abandoned, deprived of basic care, protection, and food, or subjected to
17 
inhumane or cruel situations in an enclosed, locked, secured, or sealed facility,
18 
whether public or private, may be rescued, or relieved from the cruel situation or
19 
condition in coordination with the Barangay or the Law enforcement agencies or
20 
Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers/NGOs. The said enclosed facility may be broken
21 
open, subject to diligent efforts shown to contact the owner of the facility. Except in
22 
cases where there is an imminent danger to the life of the animal, diligent effort to
23 
contact the owner of the facility may be dispensed with, provided the Barangay or the
24 
Police, or any licensed veterinarian has certified on the occurrence of such danger.
25 
Sec. 30. Protection Orders. - A protection order is a relief granted under this
26 
Act for the purpose of preventing further violations of the provisions herein as well as
27 
to protect an animal from further distress, fear, cruelty, or discomfort by relieving
28 
them or removing them from such inhumane condition and granting other necessary
29 
reliefs. The protection order shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies, deputized
30 
animal welfare enforcement officers, or the Bureau. The protection orders that may
31 
be issued under this Act are the Barangay Protection Order (BPO), temporary
32 
protection order (TPO), and permanent protection order (PPO).
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A Barangay Protection Order is issued by the barangay office where the
2 
perpetrator of the prohibited act or the complaining individual or entity lives or holds
3 
office. This BPO shall be effective for fifteen (15) days. A Temporary Protection Order
4 
shall be issued by the court having jurisdiction over the case filed against the
5 
respondent 31 which shall last for a period of thirty (30) days.
6 
A Permanent Protection Order shall be issued by the appropriate court having
7 
jurisdiction over the case filed against the respondent which shall remain in effect
8 
unless revoked by the court after the dismissal of the case against the respondent. A
9 
protection order may be sought by any concerned citizen, deputized animal welfare
10 
officer, law enforcement officer, the Board, or the LGU through the City or Provincial
11 
Veterinary Officers. The protection under this Act may include any of the following
12 
reliefs:
13 
(a) Prohibition of respondent from taking possession of the animal(s) that is or
14 
was in the respondent's possession;
15 
(b) Prohibition of respondent from taking possession of any animal for the
16 
duration of the protection order;
17 
(c) Prohibition of respondent from purchasing any live animal for any purpose
18 
for the duration of the protection order;
19 
(d) Directing the respondent to stay away from the person who has caused the
20 
apprehension of the respondent and his or her family or household member
21 
at a distance specified in the protection order or a minimum of meters;
22 
(e) Directing the respondent to stay away from the residence, school, place of
23 
employment, or any specified place frequented by a particular reporter, as
24 
well as such reporter's designated family or household member/s;
25 
(f) Granting temporary or permanent custody of the animal to any animal
26 
welfare enforcement officer or any interested animal welfare group who
27 
shall apply for the custody of said animal/s;
28 
(g) Restitution for actual costs for the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of
29 
animal/s subject matter of the protection order; and (h) Such other forms
30 
of relief as the court deems necessary to protect any animals as well as any
31 
Reporter and the Reporter's designated family or 27 household member/s.
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1 
The issuance of the BPO or the pendency of an application for BPO shall not
2 
preclude the application for or the granting of TPO or PPO. Any violation of the
3 
protection order shall be deemed as multiple violations under this Act and shall be
4 
penalized accordingly
5 
Sec. 31. Strategic Lawsuit Against Pubiic Participation (SLAPP) in the
6 
Enforcement of this Act - If a person believes that a legal action filed against the
7 
person constitutes a SLAPP, such person may make such assertion as an affirmative
8 
defense in the action. A special hearing on the SLAPP affirmative defense shall be held
9 
by the court at the earliest possible juncture in the action. The hearing on the SLAPP
10 
6 affirmative defense shall be summary in nature, and the SLAPP affirmative defense
11 
shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after the summary hearing. If the court
12 
dismisses the action pursuant to the SLAPP affirmative defense, the court may award
13 
attorney's fees and costs of suit, as well as damages under a counterclaim if such has
14 
been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice.
15 
If the court rejects the SLAPP affirmative defense, the evidence adduced during
16 
the summary hearing shail be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits of the
17 
case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of the Court.
18 
Sec. 32. Disputable Presumption. - If, at the time of apprehension, a person
19 
lacks the appropriate permit, certification, or ciearance, or authority, issued by the
20 
Bureau or other pertinent government agencies, including duly licensed Locai
21 
Government Veterinarian, the following shall constitute prima facie evidence of the
22 
corresponding iliegai acts punishable under this Act:
23 
a. The possession of a body, carcasses or any parts thereof, meats of any
24 
animals prohibited to be killed, whether raw, cooked or processed, other
25 
than those allowed under existing laws on food animals, without
26 
justification or necessary permit or veterinary certificate from the Bureau,
27 
LGU Veterinarian, or the National Meat Inspection Service or local
28 
slaughterhouses showing the reasons for the killing and the method used
29 
for the killing as well as the purpose for which the carcasses are to be used
30 
is a presumption that the animals were killed under circumstances
31 
prohibited under this Act thus, punishable, provided that such possession
32 
inciudes the possession of any paraphernalia used for killing, torture or
15


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
maltreatment such as clubs, knife, cages, restraints along with live or dead 
animals including any of its products and derivatives shall be a disputable 
presumption that the possessor caused the killing and/or destruction, 
infliction of injury, maltreatment, as appropriate; 
b. The presence of fresh and/or dried blood, by-products, or derivatives of the 
animals, with or without the tools, equipment, and/or paraphernalia 
derivatives, shall be a disputable presumption of the killing and/or 
destruction of the habitat of the animal involved.
CHAPTER VII
PERMITS, CERTIFICATES, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT FEES AND
CHARGES
Sec. 33. Certificate of Registration. - No person, association, partnership, 
corporation, cooperative, or any government agency or instrumentality 
shall establish, maintain, or operate any animal facility including transport 
facility public or private, without first securing from the Bureau a certificate 
of registration thereof. Any facility, public or private, shall be considered as 
operating an animal facility when the following circumstances are present:
a. When operating and representing itself publicly as such; and
b. When it has been securing donations or effecting rescue under the 
definition of this code. As such, the said facility shall be covered by 
the guidelines and requirements of the Act. The Bureau shall provide 
ample and reasonable time for any person, association, 18 
partnership, corporation, cooperative, or any government agency or 
instrumentality to register any animal facility, with due consideration 
of their scale and financial resources. The Bureau may revoke or 
cancel the certificate of registration of an animal facility if such animal 
facility is found to be in violation of any provision of this Act or any 
associated guidelines, rules, regulations, standards or other just 
cause. The facility may file with the Bureau a request for 
reconsideration within fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt of the 
notice of revocation or cancellation of certificate. The Bureau shall
16


1 
resolve 25 the same with finality within fifteen (15) calendar days from
2 
receipt of the request.
3 
Sec. 34. Mayor's Permit Requirement- No LGU shall issue a Mayor's or business
4 
permit to any person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or
5 
government agency or instrumentality without the presentation of a certificate coming
6 
from the Bureau that it has complied with the animal welfare standards set forth herein
7 
or any rules and regulations as may hereafter be enforced.
8 
CHAPTER VIII
9 
OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE PROVISIONS
10 
Sec. 35. Use of Animais for Show, Media, TV, Movies, or Entertainment-
11 
Promoters/organizers of animal shows, media, or entertainment, shall obtain the
12 
necessary permit from the Bureau when using animals. The presence of a licensed
13 
veterinarian during the entire show, taping, shooting, or program shall be required.
14 
The Bureau shall lay down requirements for this purpose. All other provisions
15 
regarding proper care and treatment of animals, in general, shall be applicable to
16 
these animals used for show or entertainment, especially with respect to transport,
17 
holding area, allowance for rest, and provision of food and water. It shall be unlawful
18 
for producers and promoters of shows where animals are used to Import, procure or
19 
use animals from sources without animal welfare standards/laws and/or have been
20 
shown to have maltreated or exposed animals to Inhumane conditions prior to their
21 
importation. The animal should be given sufficient food and accommodation as well
22 
as adequate rest for the entire duration of its stay in the Philippines.
23 
Sec. 36. Use of Animais for Work. - Animals used as working animals. Including
24 
but not limited to carriage horses, farm animals, and the like, must comply with the
25 
health and welfare standards set forth herein and as may be issued by the Bureau,
26 
taking into consideration their nature and behavior. Working animals should not be
27 
allowed to work under circumstances where their health and safety are at risk.
28 
Overworking of animals is hereby prohibited. Water and appropriate shelter protecting
29 
the same from extreme weather conditions must be provided.
30 
Sec. 37. Use of Animais as a Guide or Service Animais. — Service animals, such
31 
as but not limited to guide/service dogs and police or K9 dogs, are hereby regulated
32 
by the Bureau and welfare guidelines established. Certification guidelines and
17


1 
standards for the accreditation of dogs shall be established by the Bureau in
2 
consultation with relevant agencies and concerned groups. Service dogs or Guide dogs
3 
shall be defined accordingly.
4 
Sec. 38. Use of Animals in Research and Scientific Study. - Animals used in
5 
scientific procedures, research, and studies shall be regulated by the Bureau, ensuring
6 
that animal welfare regulations and guidelines in the use, experimentation, testing,
7 
and manipulation of animals for said purpose are complied with at all times. The
8 
academe and research institutions are encouraged to use non-animal research,
9 
testing, or educational models or strategies when reasonably and practicably available.
10 
Animal experimentation may be performed only as a last resort upon exhaustion of
11 
alternative approaches. No person, partnership, corporation, cooperative, government
12 
agency, instrumentality, undertaking, or operating any research facility shall use any
13 
animal in research or experiments without first obtaining written authorization from
14 
the Bureau upon compliance with such guidelines and qualifications necessary to
15 
obtain such authority.
16 
Sec. 39. Farm Animats. -The Bureau shall set out standards and guidelines in
17 
consultation with the stakeholders in the establishment and gradual compliance with
18 
animal welfare standards to better the living and health condition of animals in the
19 
farm industry.
20 
Sec. 40. Transportation of Animats. - The following stipulations shall be
21 
followed when transporting animals:
22 
a. No person shall transport an animal or cause an animal to be transported in a
23 
way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to an animal, including but not
24 
limited to overcrowding, lack of adequate ventilation and appropriate
25 
transport cages, unnecessary or painful restraint, improper and unsafe
26 
stowing, transport during extreme weather condition and the like, as well as
27 
failure to adequately provide food and water for the transported animals.
28 
b. Any person transporting an animal in connection with an economic activity
29 
shall:
30 
i. Ensure that such animal is fit to travel and checked regularly during the
31 
voyage, at least once every six hours;
18


1 
ii. Protect such animals from extreme temperatures, with journeys limited
2 
to duration as prescribed by the Bureau depending on the species,
3 
nature, and needs of the transported animal;
4 
i. Ensure that vehicle loading and unloading facilities are constructed and
5 
maintained to avoid injury and suffering;
6 
iv. Provide sufficient floor space and height allowance so as to allow such
7 
animal to lie down, stand up, fully stretch its 
limbs, and turn around
8 
freely without any impediment;
9 
V. After each eight (8) hour travel period, rest such animal off the vehicle
10 
for at least 24 hours, providing such animal sufficient water and feed;
11 
and
12 
vi. The route with the shortest distance shall be preferred.
13 
For purposes of this Section, transport "in connection with an economic activity"
14 
includes but is not limited to journeys undertaken by commercial haulers, farmers,
15 
commercial animal breeders, and horse racers. Such transport is not limited to
16 
transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods, or services takes place and
17 
instead includes, in particular, transport that directly or indirectly involves or alms to
18 
a financial gain.
19 
c. No person shall transport an animal fewer than eight (8) weeks old, a pregnant
20 
11 female who has passed through ninety percent (90%) of her expected
21 
gestational period, a female who has given birth in the past seven (7) days,
22 
or a sick or injured animal unless such transport is to or from a veterinary
23 
practice or clinic.
24 
d. Any violation of this Section shall be penalized even if the transporter has a
25 
permit to transport from the Bureau; and
26 
e. Any vehicle used in the transportation or importation/exportation of animals
27 
in violation of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed an instrument
28 
employed in 18 the commission of the crime and shall be ordered confiscated
29 
and forfeited in favor of the government upon conviction of the accused.
30 
Sec. 41. Import and Export of Live Animals. — For the import and/or export of
31 
live animals, compliance with the provisions of this Act must be ensured, including
32 
proper holding facilities. Import of animals from countries of extremely cold climates
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1 
shall be prohibited unless specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Bureau
2 
upon submission of an approved care and sustainability program or plan.
3 
Sec. 42. Spay and Neuter and Vaccination of Stray Cats and Dogs - The LCDs
4 
through the Office of the Provincial, City, and First-Class Municipalities shall implement
5 
a mandatory spay and neuter for stray dogs and cats to control animal strays and
6 
rabies. The Bureau may come up with other dog/cat population control programs in
7 
keeping with what is relevant and necessary. Pest control companies shall not be
8 
allowed to capture and dispose of cats and/or dogs. To ensure commitment by the
9 
LGUs, the implementation of this Section shall be part of their Seal of Good Local
10 
Governance (SGLG) assessment system.
11 
Sec. 43. Communication, Education, and other Pubiic Awareness Campaigns. -
12 
The Bureau, together with other agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, shall implement
13 
programs towards increasing awareness of animal welfare through education and
14 
various information awareness activities and programs.
15 
CHAPTER IX
16 
APPROPRIATION
17 
Sec. 44. Appropriation. - The initial funding to establish the Bureau shall be
18 
taken from the General Appropriations of the Department of Agriculture to the extent
19 
of the amount of Fifty Million Pesos (50,000,000) for the first year. The subsequent
20 
funding shall be included in the General Appropriation Act, which shall include all
21 
necessary amounts to achieve the purposes of this Act and to ensure the proper
22 
functioning of the Bureau, including the enforcement of this Act.
23 
CHAPTER X
24 
PENALTIES
25 
Sec. 45. Penaities. - The following penalties shall be imposed for violation of
26 
any provision of this Act:
27 
a. Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, torture, maltreatment or any
28 
of the prohibited acts herein shall be punished with a penalty of Imprisonment
29 
ranging from one (1) year and six (6) months to three (3) years and a fine of not
30 
less than thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) but not more than one hundred
31 
thousand pesos (P100,000.00).
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1 
b. Abandonment of animals shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment
2 
ranging from six (6) months to one (1) year, and a fine not exceeding ten thousand
3 
pesos (P10,000.00). If the animal is left In circumstances likely to cause the animal
4 
unnecessary suffering or If this abandonment results in the death or Injury of the
5 
animal, the person liable shall suffer the maximum penalty of imprisonment of one
6 
(1) year and a fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00).
7 
c. Operating an animal facility, including any animal transport facility, without
8 
the required permit shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment ranging from
9 
six (6) months to one (1) year and a fine not exceeding ten thousand pesos
10 
(P10,000.00). The penalties imposed herein are without prejudice to the
11 
administrative liability of the owner/operator.
12 
d. Failure to obtain the required permits to use animals for show, entrainment,
13 
or any form of media, or use animals for research and/or scientific education
14 
experiment shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6)
15 
months to one (1) year and six (6) months and a fine not exceeding thirty thousand
16 
pesos (P30,000.00).
17 
e. If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the offender responsible
18 
thereof shall be punished with the corresponding penalty of Imprisonment. If the
19 
violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported after the
20 
service of sentence without any further proceedings;
21 
f. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from two (2) years and one (1) day to
22 
three (3) years and a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand pesos
23 
(P250,000.00), shall be imposed if the offense involves any of the following
24 
circumstances:
25 
i. Committed by a syndicate involving a group of three (3) or more
26 
individuals;
27 
ii. Committed by an offender who makes a business out of cruelty to
28 
animals;
29 
Hi. Committed by a public officer or employee; or iv. Where at least three
30 
(3) animals are involved.
31 
g. In any of the foregoing situations, the offender shall suffer subsidiary
32 
imprisonment in case of insolvency and the inability to pay fine. h. The maximum
21


1 
applicable penalty shall be imposed upon a person who, at the time of his or her trial
2 
for a violation of this Act, shall have been previously convicted by final judgment of
3 
the same or another violation of this Act;
4 
i. Any person found guilty of dog meat trading shall be punished with a penalty
5 
of fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) per dog and penalty of
6 
Imprisonment ranging from one (1) year to four (4) years;
7 
j. Any violation of any other provisions of this Act shall be punished with a
8 
penalty of imprisonment ranging from three (3) months to one (1) year and a fine not
9 
exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00);
10 
k. The liability of any person herein is without prejudice to his/her liability for
11 
any other offenses under another law, including administrative liabilities;
12 
I. Any person who has been habitually convicted of a violation of this Act shall
13 
be permanently and perpetually disqualified from being issued any permits or
14 
certificates to operate any animal facility, including owning or possessing an
15 
animal/pet;
16 
m. The courts, in its discretion, in lieu of service in jail, may require that the
17 
imposed penalties of imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year be served by the
18 
defendant by rendering community service under such terms and conditions that the
19 
courts may determine, depending on the gravity of the offense. Under these
20 
circumstances, the courts will prepare an order imposing the penalty of community
21 
service in lieu of the penalty, specifying the number of hours to be worked and the
22 
period for it to be completed. Community service to be rendered must be related to
23 
assistance to animals.
24 
CHAPTER XI
25 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
26 
Sec. 46. Animal Welfare Fund. -There is hereby established an Animal Welfare
27 
Fund to be administered by the Bureau as a special account In the National Treasury.
28 
It shall finance the programs of the Bureau on animal welfare as well as the
29 
enforcement process. The Fund shall be derived from fines imposed and damages
30 
awarded pursuant to violations of this Act, fees charged for permits, registrations,
31 
authorizations, donations, endowments, administrative fees, or grants in the form of
22


1 
contributions. Contribution to the Fund shall be exempt from donor taxes and all other
2 
taxes, charges, or fees imposed by the government.
3 
Sec. 47. Mandatory Animal Welfare Education. - It shall be mandatory for all
4 
29 primary and secondary education schools, public and private to integrate in their
5 
30 curriculum and have activities on the following:
6 
(1) The promotion and protection of the welfare of animals;
7 
(2) Responsible pet ownership; and
8 
(3) Concept of animal welfare.
9 
Sec. 48. Emergency Response. - The Bureau shall create and implement, in
10 
collaboration with the LGUs and animal welfare NGOs, an interagency emergency
11 
response program for rescuing and caring for animals in times of calamity, including
12 
but not limited to floods, earthquakes, and the like. Such program shall include the
13 
establishment and placement of the animals in identified animal evacuation centers,
14 
temporary shelters, and/or recognized rescue centers, whether public or private, until
15 
the same is claimed by their rightful owners or can be rehomed appropriately. The
16 
Bureau, through the LGUs, shall likewise establish an emergency response system to
17 
rescue and/or refer animals' victim of abuse, cruelty, and maltreatment to recognized
18 
animal shelters or facilities, whether public or private.
19 
Sec. 49. Custody of Rescued Animals - Any animal/s seized or rescued from
20 
violators of this Act made in response to a violation of any provision of this Act and
21 
subsequent guidelines, rules, and regulations may be held in custody pending
22 
disposition of administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings. Animals seized or rescued
23 
shall be referred to the Local Government Pound or Shelter, Bureau-accredited animal
24 
facilities, subject to rules and regulations as may be hereinafter issued. For wildlife,
25 
the same shall 19 be referred to the DENR-BMB or their nearest regional offices.
26 
Sec. 50. Roie of Local Government Units and other government agencies. -
27 
LGUs shali support the Bureau in the implementation of this Act by issuing necessary
28 
animal welfare ordinances and implementing animal welfare programs in coordination
29 
with the Bureau, including the conduct of mandatory spaying and neutering to control
30 
the dog and cat population, as well as veterinary access. Other government agencies
31 
handling animals within the definition of this Act are required to adopt and implement
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1 
animal welfare standards, policies, rules, and regulations in their operation consistent
2 
with this Act.
3 
Recognizing the important role of the Barangay, a Barangay Animal Welfare
4 
Task Force shall be created and shall adopt programs consistent with the provisions
5 
of this Act and rules and regulations issued to implement the purpose of this Act.
6 
Sec. 51. Construction of the Law. - This Act shall be liberally construed in favor
7 
of the promotion and protection of the welfare of the animals.
8 
Sec. 52. Transition. - During the transition within one (1) year from effectivity
9 
hereof, the existing Bureau of Animal Industry shall remain to be the supervisory and
10 
authority in the implementation of the provisions of this act and shall manage,
11 
supervise turn over, and monitor the establishment of the Bureau until the same
12 
becomes operational including the assignment and appointment of personnel and staff
13 
during the transition.
14 
Sec. 53. Separabiiity Ciause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
15 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, which are not
16 
affected, shall continue to be in full force and effect.
17 
Sec. 54. Repeaiing Ciause. - All laws, decrees, rules, and regulations
18 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
19 
accordingly.
20 
Sec. 55. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
21 
publication In the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
24