NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by RA.10631 by strengthening 
the provisions of the law relating to animal welfare and by likewise creating the Animal Welfare 
Bureau, an attached agency with the Department of Agriculture. 
For the past years, there has been an increase in the consciousness of the Filipino people on 
the welfare of animals resulting in a massive surge of establishments catering to animals – 
from veterinary clinics and hospitals, grooming, pet hotels and pet cafes, pet friendly 
establishments, among others. The current structure of the Bureau of Animal Industry 
however, has shown weaknesses in responding to and in addressing the growing welfare 
issues and concerns affecting the animals. As a regulatory body for animal welfare under RA 
8485 as amended, compliance monitoring has become a burden due to lack of dedicated and 
trained manpower and facilities. Implementation of the law has likewise been severely lacking 
as a result of the weak cooperation from the LGUS. 
This bill aims to strengthen and fortify animal welfare standards, policies, rules and regulation 
by improving the system of program implementation, monitoring and supervision including 
adjudication and response to violations. Penalties have also been defined and detailed to deter 
individuals from violating the law. 
It is our hope that through the passage of this bill, animal welfare rules and regulations would 
be more effective as we build a society that not only respects the rights of people but also 
penalizes the ill-treatment of animals.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
May 3, 2023
4:06 pm
7932


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE PHILIPPINES, CREATING FOR THE 
PURPOSE THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF 
AGRICULTURE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE AND STRENGTHEN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 
ANIMAL WELFARE AND GOVERN ITS OPERATION AND ITS ENFORCEMENT, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
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 "Revised Animal Welfare Act”. 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - As proven by modern science, animals are sentient beings, 
capable of experiencing pleasurable states, like joy, and aversive states, like pain and fear. 
Consequently, it shall be the policy of the state to protect and promote the good welfare of all 
animals, 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, including but not limited to 
animal producers, small-hold farmers, private entities, or government agencies, that: 
a. handle, breed, train, keep, care for, transport, exhibit, display, use, or otherwise interact
with any animals, whether as pets, livestock, wildlife, or animals used for education,
entertainment, or show; or
b. own, operate, or maintain any facility that interacts with animals.
Sec. 4. Objectives - The State shall promote the welfare of all animals by establishing rules, 
regulations, guidelines and standards and endeavor to achieve the following objectives: 
a. To protect and promote animal welfare by providing rules, regulations, guidelines and
b. standards in the establishment and operation of animal facilities, transportation, and
the like;
c.
To establish welfare guidelines and standards in the use, treating, breeding,
maintaining, keeping, and training of all animals;
d. To protect and promote animal health through the maintenance of adequate, clean and
sanitary facilities used in the keeping, breeding, treating and training of animals;
e. To promote responsible pet ownership through education and information
dissemination;
7932


f.
To regulate the operation and maintenance of animal facilities or any establishment
where animals are kept for whatever reason or purpose;
g. To formulate rules and regulations that will ensure the promotion of animal welfare in
the establishment, maintenance and operation of any pet shop, kennel, pound, shelter,
slaughter houses, veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, stockyard, corral, stud farm, or
stock farm or zoo for the breeding, raising, treatment, sale or trading, or training of
animals;
h. To establish inter-agency, multi-sectoral and local government cooperation for the
promotion and protection of animal welfare;
i.
To create an agency and establish an organizational structure that will effectively
implement the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant to it;
j.
To promote public awareness and concern for caring for animals and its welfare.
Sec. 5. Animal Welfare Principles – Animal welfare standards, practices, policies and 
regulations must be based on the following principles: 
a. Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing
scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and
societal values;
b. Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and an
environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their
species-typical biology and behavior;
c.
Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering;
d. Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially
responsible, and scientifically prudent;
e. Protection of animal habitat is an animal welfare consideration;
f.
Consider the five basic freedom of animals: (1) Freedom from thirst, hunger and
malnutrition; (2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain; (3) Freedom from injury
and disease; (4) Freedom to conform to essential behavioral pattern; and (5) Freedom
from fear and distress
g. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when
necessary, provided a humane death.
Sec. 6. Definitions. -As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
a. Animal - refers to domesticated vertebrate and invertebrate species under the control
of man, which may be food producing, companion, labor, aquatic or laboratory
including birds. The term excludes human and non-mammalian species;
b. Animal welfare - pertains to the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals. It
includes, but not limited to, the avoidance of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty and
exploitation of animals by humans by maintaining appropriate standards of
accommodation, feeding and general care, the prevention and treatment of disease
and the assurance of freedom from fear, distress, harassment and unnecessary
discomfort and pain and allowing animals to express normal behavior;
c.
Animal Facility. - refers to any facility, structure, or premises used for the purpose of
keeping, caring, breeding, rearing, holding, gaming, training, trading, treating, or
exhibiting animals, including but not limited to farms, zoos, aviaries, apiaries, kennels,
race tracks, cockpits, pet shops, shelters, pounds, animal rescue centers, airport and
seaport quarantine stations, animal holding facilities, stables, livestock markets,
stockyards, corrals, stud farms, stock farms, slaughterhouses, aquaria, laboratories,
veterinary clinics, and veterinary hospitals.;
d. Animal fighting venture - refers to any event, show, exhibition, program, or other activity
that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between two or more animals for
purposes of sport, wagering, amusement, or entertainment;
e. Animal welfare enforcement officer - refers to Philippine National Police, National
Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, citizens' groups,


community organizations and other volunteers and members of NGOs, Peoples 
organizations designated as such enforcement officers by the Bureau; 
f. Board - refers to the Animal Welfare Board; 
g. Bureau - refers to the Animal Welfare Bureau; 
h. Captive Animals. - refers to animals that are confined for educational or recreational 
purposes in places such as but not limited to zoos, sanctuaries, including rescue 
centers, sea or ocean facility and the like; 
i. 
Director - refers to the individual in charge of the Animal Welfare Bureau; 
j. 
Euthanasia. - refers to the Bureau approved process or method of painless death to 
animals; 
k. Keeper - refers to any person who owns, possesses, or has control or custody over an 
Animal; 
l. 
Local Government Unit (LGU) - refers to Provinces, Cities or Municipalities; 
m. Pets - refers to documented or otherwise, or domestic animals intended for 
companionship, therapy, seeing and hearing guides, recreation and value formation, 
and breeding such as but not limited to dogs, cat, fishes, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and 
birds that are either acquired locally or through importation under government rules 
and regulations; 
n. Person - refers to any individual, corporation, company, business, enterprise, 
association, partnership, syndicate, trust, or other entity; 
o. Reporter - refers to any person who reports a suspected violation of any provision of 
this Act to the proper authorities; 
p. Secretary - refers to the secretary of the Department of Agriculture; 
q. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) - refers to a legal action filed to 
r. harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal recourse that any person, 
institution, or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of this Act; 
s. Transport Facility- Any transportation public or private, whether air, water, land 
including tricycles and the like used to transport animals to a particular destination; 
t. Wild animal - refers to any individual of a species that is not normally domesticated in 
the Philippines, including those in captivity under the control of a person. 
 
The Bureau may define such other terms as may be used in the implementation of this Act; 
 
CHAPTER II. 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU 
 
Sec. 7. Animal Welfare Bureau - The Animal Welfare Bureau is hereby created attached to the 
Department of Agriculture. As a government agency, it shall be primarily responsible for 
overseeing, supervising, regulating, enforcing, protecting, implementing and promoting the 
good welfare of all animals and shall serve as the controlling authority on all matters relating 
to animal welfare. It shall also supervise and regulate the establishment and operation of all 
animal facilities and transport of all animals, as well as ensure the prevention of any form of 
cruelty, maltreatment, torture, exploitation, and neglect of the animals 
The Animal Welfare Bureau shall issue animal welfare policies, standards rules and 
regulations and ensure the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare regulations, 
programs and standards through interagency coordination, programs and agreements. They 
shall be authorized to issue fines and penalties for violation of this Act and to institute seizure 
proceedings. 
 
Sec. 8. Composition of the Animal Welfare Bureau - The Bureau shall be headed by a Director 
who shall be appointed by the President as well as a Deputy Director. Each Division of the 
Bureau shall have a Division Head. 
The Director shall be responsible for the general administration and management of 
the Bureau. He/she must possess adequate knowledge, training and experience in the field of 
veterinary science and/or veterinary medicine. The Deputy Director shall be a permanent 


position shall assist the Director in the administration, operation and financial management of 
the Bureau. 
The Bureau shall initially consist of, and the staffing pattern may initially be based on, 
the following Divisions. 
1. Administration and Human Resources 
2. Policy and Planning 
3. Advocacy, Training and Communication 
4. Inspection 
5. Legal and Enforcement 
6. Adjudication 
7. Finance and Accounting 
The Bureau may re-organize and expand its Divisions in the future to effectively and 
fully implement the provisions of this act. 
 
Sec. 9. Personnel and Staffing Pattern- Notwithstanding the provisions of existing laws, the 
Secretary shall require the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, as an interim Director of 
the Bureau to submit within 30 days from the effectivity of this Act their recommendation on 
the personnel and staffing pattern of the Bureau and to submit the same to the Department of 
Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission which shall include the functions 
of each of the named divisions. The BAI shall recommend the duties and responsibilities of 
the Divisions. 
 
Sec. 10. Powers and Duties of the Animal Welfare Bureau - The Animal Welfare Bureau shall 
have the following powers and duties: 
1. To establish a system for the effective implementation of this Act; 
2. To formulate, adopt, and issue policies, guidelines, standards, rules, and regulations 
as part of a system for the effective implementation of this Act; 
3. To provide detailed regulations and standards on the appropriate food, water, and 
shelter for each species of pet and animals depending on the age, breed, size, and 
special needs thereof; 
4. To create, in consultation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land 
Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), 
the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), other transport regulating body or agencies, 
experts, and animal welfare groups, species-specific standards for transportation of 
animals, including definitions for cruel confinement and restraint during transport, 
appropriate designs for transport cages and facilities, restraint types, provision of food 
and water, ventilation, and protection from extreme weather conditions, taking into 
consideration the species of the animal being transported, as well as its specific needs, 
size, behavior, and nature; 
5. To establish an emergency animal response and rescue system and mechanism to 
appropriately respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, 
earthquakes, and other natural disasters; 
6. To promulgate standards and guidelines for humane slaughter of farm animals in 
coordination and consultation with the National Meat Inspection Service, the Local 
Government Units and other relevant government agencies; 
7. To stop, inspect vehicles or any transport system used to transport animals and to 
order the closure, stoppage of operation of any transport facility violating the provisions 
of this act, its implementing rules and regulations, and other regulations and standards 
issued for the strict implementation of this Act; 
8. To establish a system and regulations for the inspection of animal facilities, and to 
inspect such animal facilities to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and 
regulations; 
9. To delegate certain powers and functions to the local government units, to the 
Regional, City and Provincial Animal Welfare Officers relevant and necessary for 


purposes of effectively implementing animal welfare policies, guidelines, programs and 
standards; 
10. To monitor compliance by the local government units of the animal welfare programs, 
standards, rules and regulations; 
11. To ensure proper coordination and tie ups with non-government organizations, 
people's organizations and the academe for the strict implementation of the rules and 
regulations issued; 
12. To formulate guidelines and qualifications related to research and testing on animals, 
ensuring that use of animals in research and testing is only undertaken as a last resort; 
13. To supervise and monitor the implementation of this Act and to ensure strict 
compliance; 
14. To deputize personnel from regional field units, local government units, non-
government organizations, people's organizations, community organizations and 
certain veterinary professionals to assist in the implementation of this Act; 
15. To exercise administrative adjudication, confiscation, and forfeiture powers, including 
the power to cite in contempt, in all cases of violations of this Act; 
16. To impose, collect, and enforce administrative sanctions such as: 
a. payment of fines, 
b. the suspension or cancellation of existing permits or certifications 
c. disqualification for future permits, 
d. the closure of animal facilities, and/or 
e. the confiscation and forfeiture of all animals, including products, and all 
paraphernalia, tools, implements and conveyances used in connection with the 
commission of the violation, and to dispose of the same in accordance with 
pertinent laws, regulations or policies on the matter. 
17. To issue appropriate adjudication procedures, rules, and regulations; 
18. To establish and maintain a database surveillance and management information 
system on animal welfare in the Philippines; 
19. To operate the Animal Welfare Fund, including collecting monies paid into it and 
utilizing monies in the account for animal welfare programs; 
20. To levy and collect fees for registration, certification, inspection and monitoring system 
and other fees as the Bureau may deem necessary for the effective implementation of 
this Act; 
21. To keep records and documents pertaining to animal welfare in the country as well as 
the maintenance of surveillance and management information system on the animal 
welfare; 
22. To create and maintain a web-based registry accessible to the public of all the animal 
facilities in the country, whether public oi private, which registry includes all collected 
information on each animal facility, including sanctions; 
23. To create a system and guidelines for the determination of approval of applications of 
certifications, authorizations, and permits necessary' for the establishment, 
maintenance, and operation of animal facilities, as well as to issue said certifications, 
authorizations, and permits and to collect associated fees; 
24. To call upon any government agencies for assistance consistent with its powers, 
duties, and responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient 
implementation of this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and 
it shall be the duty of such government agency to assist the Bureau when called upon 
for assistance using any available fund in its budget for the purpose; 
25. To conduct regular as well as random inspections to ensure that the continuing 
qualifications for the release and renewal of the issued certifications, authorizations 
and permits are duly complied with and to impose necessary sanctions in case of non-
compliance; 
26. To perform adjudicatory function relating to animal welfare issues, cases and 
violations; 


27. To create, establish and implement a national program on rewards and incentives for 
Most Animal Welfare Friendly Region, Province, City and Municipality; 
28. To issue other permits or certificates that it may deem necessary from time to time; 
29. To utilize such other powers and perform such other duties and responsibilities which 
are necessarily to achieve the purposes of this Act. 
 
CHAPTER III 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD 
 
Sec. 11. The Animal Welfare Board - There is hereby created an Animal Welfare Board under 
the Animal Welfare Bureau which shall perform as the consultative committee to assist in the 
formulation of various animal welfare policies and guidelines, rules and regulations, standards 
as well as the development of welfare programs. It shall act as an advisor to the Bureau on all 
matters relating to the animal welfare programs, standards and practices. 
 
Sec. 12. Composition of the Board - The Animal Welfare Board shall be composed as follows: 
(1) Ex Officio Members - One representative from each of the following: 
a. Department of Agriculture; 
b. Animal Welfare Bureau; 
c. Bureau of Animal Industry; 
d. Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR); 
e. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); 
f. Bureau of Fisheries; 
g. National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the DA; 
h. Provincial, City, Municipal Veterinary League Association; 
i. 
Department of Education. 
 
(2) Appointive Members - 
a. Four (4) representatives from different nationally-recognized animal welfare 
organizations with proven track records on animal welfare and with established 
programs; 
b. One (1) representative from a nationally-recognized Veterinary Professional 
Association; 
c. One Representative each from the Poultry, Livestock, Fisheries association; 
d. The Secretary may appoint additional members as it may deem necessary to ensure 
adequate representation of various stakeholders upon recommendation of the Board 
and the Bureau. 
 
Sec. 13. Chairman of the Board - The Animal Welfare Board shall be chaired by the Director 
of the Bureau or his/her duly designated representative. The Bureau shall also act as the 
Secretariat and shall be responsible in calling the meetings and sending notices for such 
meetings. The secretariat shall also be responsible in records keeping and ensuring correct 
transcription of minutes of meetings. 
 
Sec. 14. Meetings, Quorum, Per Diems - The Board shall meet at least quarterly, or more 
often should the need arise. Nine members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, which shall 
be necessary for voting on any matters before the Board. The Board members shall not 
receive any compensation but may receive honoraria from time to time the amount of which 
of which shall be decided by the Board; 
 
Sec. 15. Appointment by the Secretary - Except for the identified Government agencies, the 
other institutional members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the 
endorsement of the Chief of the Bureau pursuant to the application or as nominated by their 
respective agencies/sectors. Each appointive member shall have a term of service of two (2) 


years subject to renewal or unless earlier removed for just cause pursuant to the rules on the 
matter subject to the assessment of the Animal Welfare Board. 
The procedure for removal and replacement, as well as enforceable disciplinary 
actions of members of the Board shall be established in the internal rules and regulations of 
the Board. All policies and guidelines shall be approved by the Board including its internal 
rules and regulations. 
CHAPTER IV 
ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND UNITS 
Sec. 16. Regional, Provincial, City, Municipal, Animal Welfare Officers - A Regional Animal 
Welfare Officer shall be appointed by the Secretary for each Region upon the recommendation 
of the Director from the associated regional offices of the Department of Agriculture. This 
Regional Animal Welfare Officer shall be responsible for implementing animal welfare 
programs in the region and shall report any issues and concerns directly to the Bureau. 
Each Regional Animal Welfare Officer must possess the following minimum 
qualifications: 
1. Veterinarian with minimum 2 years of experience of veterinary practice or
an animal husbandry graduate;
2. Has undergone relevant training on animal welfare and related trainings
involving enforcement.
Provinces and cities shall also assign their respective Animal Welfare Officers and 
necessary technical support staff from the Provincial/ City Veterinary Offices to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act. Municipalities shall likewise appoint an Animal Welfare 
Officer within its Municipal Agriculture office; 
The Board may add other qualifications as it may deem appropriate to best serve the 
purposes of this Act. 
Section 17. Barangay Animal Welfare Unit - Each Barangay shall hereby be mandated to 
establish a Barangay Animal Welfare Unit (BAWU) similar to the Barangay Animal Health 
Worker. The BAWU shall be responsible in the local implementation of animal health, 
vaccination programs, animal welfare education, spay and neuter as well as stray population 
control, in partnership with the Provincial, City Veterinary Office or in the case of Municipalities, 
the Municipal Agrarian Officer or Veterinary Officer when present. 
Sec. 18. Deputation of Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers. - The Secretary of the 
Department of Agriculture shall deputize animal welfare enforcement officers from non-
government organizations, citizens' groups, community organizations and other volunteers 
who have undergone necessary training for this purpose. The Philippine National Police 
(PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBl) 
and other law enforcement agencies shall designate animal welfare enforcement officers who 
shall assist in the implementation of this Act. 
ln the absence of such enforcement officers, the said law enforcement officers shall 
continue to implement the law under their general mandate. The animal welfare enforcement 
officers shall have the full authority to seize and rescue illegally traded and maltreated animals 
and to arrest violators of this Act subject to existing laws, rules and regulations on arrest and 
detention. Regardless of the absence of a designated animal welfare enforcement officers in 
the law enforcement, the same shall not preclude them from the enforcement of the provisions 
of this act. 
The Bureau shall set guidelines in the training, qualification, reporting, coordination of 
deputized animal welfare enforcement officers to cover the following: 
1. guidelines on the criteria and training requirements for the deputation of animal welfare
enforcement officers
2. mechanism for the supervision, monitoring and reporting of these enforcement officers;


CHAPTER V 
BASIC ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING GUIDELINES 
 
Sec. 19. Provision of Food and Water - Any keeper of an animal must provide the animal with, 
or arrange to have the animal provided with, access to appropriate nutritious food at least once 
a day, or at a frequency that is typical for the species, sufficient to maintain good health; and, 
if appropriate for the species, continuous access to potable water that is not frozen, and is free 
of debris, feces, algae, and other contaminants; 
The Bureau shall provide guidelines on the appropriate food, water and shelter for the 
animals depending on the kind, nature and special needs thereof. 
 
Sec. 20. Provision of appropriate shelter and facilities - Any keeper of an animal must provide 
such animal with regular access to a shelter that has a solid floor; provides protection from the 
sun, rain and wind sufficient to maintain good health; is regularly cleaned and sanitized; and 
is large enough for the animal to lie down, fully stretch its limbs, turn around freely without any 
impediment, and stand up, including on its hind legs if applicable, allowing the animal to 
express natural behavior and locomotion. 
 
Sec. 21. Provision of Veterinary Medical Care for Sick, compromised or Injured Animal. - Any 
keeper of an animal must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the physical, health, and 
behavioral needs of the animals are met in accordance with good practice and scientific 
knowledge. 
This shall include, at minimum, a hands-on examination at least once yearly by a 
licensed veterinarian; prompt treatment of any illness or injury by a licensed veterinarian; and, 
where needed, humane euthanasia by licensed veterinarian. 
 
Sec. 22. Provision of appropriate transport facility- Transport facilities for animals must be 
constructed, provisioned, and utilized in such a way to avoid causing injury or undue suffering 
to the animals. Transport facilities shall include secure cages or restraint systems appropriate 
for the species being transported, as well as adequate ventilation to ensure comfort and safety 
of the animal appropriate to its nature and size. 
 
Sec. 23. Provision of opportunity for animals to express natural behaviors including play, 
provision of enrichment activities and exercise- Any keeper of an animal must provide such 
animal regular opportunities to express species-specific natural behaviors, for play and 
exercise in an area of sufficient space, and for stimulation through environmental enrichment 
activities to promote their health and welfare. The Bureau in consultation with stakeholders 
shall implement a time line in improving farm facilities to comply with the provisions hereof. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
PROHIBITED ACTS 
 
Sec. 24. Prohibition on Cruelty, Maltreatment, Abuse and Exploitation of Animals. – It shall be 
unlawful for any person to torture, abuse, exploit any animal, to neglect to provide adequate 
care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animals, cause or procure to be tortured, or 
deprive such animals of adequate care sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in 
research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Bureau. 
An act of cruelty includes but is not limited to the following: 
a. beating, harming, injuring, crushing, mutilating, maiming, disfiguring, stabbing, 
cutting, poisoning, drowning, torturing, tormenting, starving, overworking, or 
abusing an animal, or any other act or omission toward an animal, including 
any act of neglect, causing the animal pain, suffering, or distress, whether 
physical or psychological; 


b. exposing an animal to inhumane and unsafe conditions and situations including 
overcrowded, inappropriate, unclean, or unsanitary animal facilities, shelters, 
or transport facilities; 
c. killing an animal by way of electrocution or gas chamber or using any petrol or 
diesel exhaust; 
d. using an animal in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the 
Bureau; and 
e. Overworking an animal 
The Bureau may further define or declare other acts that it may consider or deem to 
constitute as animal cruelty; 
 
Sec. 25. Prohibition on Neglect. - It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an animal to fail to 
provide such animal with basic care in accordance with Sections 18-23. It shall also be 
unlawful for any keeper of an animal to allow such animal to roam the streets resulting in its 
impoundment by the local impounding authority. 
 
Sec. 26. Prohibition on Killing of Animals. - It shall be unlawful for any person to kill any animal 
other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabao, horse. The killing of pets and 
animals not declared as food animals for human consumption, or cause or procure the same 
to be killed is prohibited except in the following instances: 
1. When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a 
ritual required by a tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities; however, 
religious or tribal leaders shall keep records in accordance with relevant guidelines 
issued on the matter; 
2. Euthanasia of pet animal is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as 
determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian; 
3. When euthanasia of an animal is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery 
suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian; 
4. When it is done to prevent imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being; 
5. When done for the purpose of animal population control as a last resort duly certified 
by the Provincial/City Veterinary Officer; 
6. Euthanasia of an animal by a duly licensed veterinarian after the animal has been used 
in an authorized research or experiment in accordance with Section 32; 
7. Humane slaughter of a farm animal, in accordance with Section 33(d); 
8. Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by a duly 
licensed veterinarian. 
 
ln all of the above mentioned cases, the killing shall at all times be done only through 
euthanasia or other humane procedures approved by the Bureau. For this purpose, humane 
procedures shall mean the use of the most scientific methods available as may be determined 
by the Bureau. 
 
Sec. 27. Prohibition on Animal Fights - It is prohibited to subject animals to fights such as but 
not limited to dog fighting, carabao or bullfighting or horse fighting and the like, not authorized 
or regulated by law. Any person who participates under circumstances as described herein 
shall be considered accessories in the commission of animal fighting and/or abetting in the 
commission of animal cruelty. It shall include but not limited to pitting one animal with another 
for the purpose of human entertainment, wagering, or sport. ln certain instances, one of the 
animals involved may be a "bait animal" used for the ostensible purpose of sport or training. 
The prohibition on animal fights shall include but not limited to the following: 
a. cause, procure, permit, encourage, promote, organize, sponsor, or incite a fight 
in which an animal is pitted against another animal for any purposes such as 
dog fighting and horse fighting and the like; 
b. advertise, promote, sell tickets or otherwise assist in an animal fighting venture; 
c. attend such a fight;  


d. Breed or train any animal for the purpose of having it fight, engage, or otherwise 
participate in an animal fighting venture; 
e. Permit an animal fighting venture to take place on any site, structure, facility or 
other premises under the person's ownership or control; 
f. Attend, wager on, or otherwise patronize an animal fighting venture; 
g. Cause or allow a person who has not yet reached the age of 16 to attend an 
animal fighting venture. 
Animal fighting ventures held during festivities, festivals, fiestas and the like are not 
exempt from this Section and are strictly prohibited. 
 
Sec. 28. Prohibition on Dog Meat Trading- It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the 
trade of dogs for their meat for which includes the farming or capture, transport, sale or 
slaughter of dogs and their meat for commercial human consumption. 
The trade of dogs shall include but shall not be limited to buying and/or selling of dogs, 
dog meats and carcasses, dog farming, collecting, and/or slaughtering of dogs for commercial 
consumption. 
 
Sec. 29. Prohibition on Abandonment- It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an animal, whether 
temporary or permanent to abandon such animal. 
 
Sec. 30. Prohibition on ear cropping, tail docking, de-vocalization, declawing- The conduct of 
ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization, de-clawing, or any other similar mutilation is 
prohibited as constituting animal cruelty except in cases as may be required for the well-being 
of the animal as determined by a duly licensed veterinarian and not for aesthetic purposes. 
When allowed, the same may only be performed by a duly licensed veterinarian. 
 
Sec. 31. Operating an Animal Facility without Permit/Certification - Operating any facility 
without necessary permit or certification from the Bureau is hereby prohibited. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
ENFORCEMENT 
 
Sec. 32. ln General - The Bureau, either independently, or in cooperation with local 
government units, the registered NGOs, Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers and the 
Philippine National Police and other concerned parties, is authorized to carry out enforcement 
operations and measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act and to eradicate, 
stop and prevent activities prohibited under this Act. 
 
Sec. 33. Visitorial/Inspection Power -Owners and/or operators of animal facilities shall be 
subjected to regular, as well as random inspections by the Bureau on its own or through its 
deputized agencies and Enforcement Officers to ensure compliance with the standards set 
forth by this Act and subsequent rules and regulations. Fines and suspension or revocation of 
certificates as provided in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act shall be imposed 
in case of non-compliance. 
 
Sec. 34. Apprehension of Offending Person/s - Any person who has knowledge or information 
about the commission of any of the prohibited acts heretofore cited may refer the same to the 
law enforcement authority or to the Animal Welfare Bureau and/or its deputized animal welfare 
enforcement officers, and other law enforcement agencies for appropriate action. The 
procedure in filing of criminal charges shall be as prescribed by the rules of criminal procedure 
contained in the Rules of Court. 
 
Sec. 35. Seizure of Effects - Any items so seized including animals, pursuant to arrests made 
for violation of any provision of this Code shall be held by any person, facility, organization, 
authorized by the Bureau, including the local government units, the law enforcement agencies 


or any Bureau accredited NGO pending disposition of administrative, civil and criminal 
proceedings. Animals seized shall be referred to Bureau accredited animal facilities. For 
wildlife, the same shall be referred to the DENR-BMB, without prejudice to the latter's referral 
or transfer of the animals to other animal facilities provided it has better and more suited 
facilities. 
Any animals seized and/or rescued from any inhumane condition or facility shall be 
immediately relieved from such condition or situation without prejudice to the immediate 
conduct of proper documentation such us photographing for purposes of preserving evidence. 
 
Sec. 36. Rescue of Animals in an enclosed facility. Any animals found to have been kept, 
abandoned, deprived of basic care, protection and food or subjected to inhumane or cruel 
situations in an enclosed, locked, secured or sealed facility, whether public or private, may be 
rescued, relieved from the cruel situation or condition in coordination with the Barangay or the 
Law enforcement agencies or Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers/NGOs. The said enclosed 
facility may be broken open subject to diligent efforts shown to contact owner of facility. Except 
in case where there is an imminent danger to the life of the animal, diligent effort to contact 
owner of the facility may be dispensed with provided the Barangay or the Police or any 
licensed veterinarian has certified on the occurrence of such danger. 
 
Sec. 37. Protection Orders - A protection order is a relief granted under this Act for the purpose 
of preventing further violations of the provisions herein as well as to protect an animal from 
further distress, fear, cruelty or discomfort by relieving them or removing them from such 
inhumane condition and granting other necessary reliefs. The protection order shall be 
enforced by law enforcement agencies, deputized animal welfare enforcement officers or the 
Bureau. 
The protection orders that may be issued under this Act are the Barangay Protection 
Order (BPO), temporary protection order (TPO) and permanent protection order (PPO). A 
Barangay Protection Order is issued by the barangay office where the perpetrator of the 
prohibited act or the complaining individual or entity lives or holds office. This BPO shall be 
effective for 15 days. 
A Temporary Protection Order shall be issued by the court having jurisdiction over the 
case filed against the respondent which shall last for a period of thirty 30 days. A Permanent 
Protection Order shall be issued by the appropriate court having jurisdiction over the case filed 
against the respondent which shall remain in effect unless revoked by the court after a 
dismissal of the case against the respondent. 
A protection order may be sought by any concerned citizen, deputized animal welfare 
officer, law enforcement officers, the Board, or the LGU through the City or Provincial 
Veterinary Officers. 
The protection under this Act may include any of the following reliefs: 
a. Prohibition of respondent from taking possession of the animal(s) that are or 
were in the respondent's possession; 
b. Prohibition of respondent from taking possession of any animal for the duration 
of the protection order; 
c. Prohibition of respondent from purchasing any live animal for any purpose for 
the duration of the protection order; 
d. Directing the respondent to stay away from the person who has caused the 
apprehension of respondent and his or her family or household member at a 
distance specified in the protection order or a minimum of 50 meters; 
e. Directing the respondent to stay away from the residence, school, place of 
employment or any specified place frequented by a particular Reporter as well 
as such Reporter's designated family or household member/s; 
f. Granting temporary or permanent custody of the animal to any animal welfare 
enforcement officer or any interested animal welfare group who shall apply for 
the custody of said animal/s; 


g. Restitution for actual costs for the rescue, care and rehabilitation of animal/s 
subject matter of the protection order; 
h. Such other forms of relief as the court deems necessary to protect any animals 
as well as any Reporter and the Reporter's designated family or household 
member/s. 
The issuance of the BPO or the pendency of an application for BPO shall not preclude 
the application for or the granting of TPO or PPO. Any violation of the protection order shall 
be deemed as a multiple violation under this Act and shall be penalized accordingly. 
 
Sec. 38. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) in the Enforcement of this Act. 
- If a person believes that a legal action filed against the person constitutes a SLAPP, such 
person may make such assertion as an affirmative defense in the action. A special hearing on 
the SLAPP affirmative defense shall be held by the court at the earliest possible juncture in 
the action. 
The hearing on the SLAPP affirmative defense shall be summary in nature, and the 
SLAPP affirmative defense shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after the summary hearing. 
If the court dismisses the action pursuant to the SLAPP affirmative defense, the court may 
award attorney's fees and costs of suit, as well as damages under a counterclaim if such has 
been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice. 
If the court rejects the SLAPP affirmative defense, the evidence adduced during the 
summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits of the case. The 
action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court. 
 
Sec. 39. Disputable Presumption- - If, at the time of apprehension, a person lacks the 
appropriate permit, certification or clearance, or authority, issued by the Bureau or other 
pertinent government agencies including duly licensed Local Government Veterinarian, the 
following shall constitute prima facie evidence of the corresponding illegal acts punishable 
under this Act: 
a. The possession of a body, carcasses or any parts thereof, meats of any animals 
prohibited to be killed, whether raw, cooked or processed, other than those 
allowed under existing laws on food animals, without justification or necessary 
permit or veterinary certificate from the Bureau, LGU Veterinarian, or the 
National Meat Inspection Service or local slaughterhouses showing the 
reasons for the killing and the method used for the killing as well as the purpose 
for which the carcasses is to be used is a presumption that the animals were 
killed under circumstances prohibited under this Act thus, punishable, provided 
that such possession includes the possession of any paraphernalia used for 
killing, torture or 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. 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 VIII 
ADJUDICATION AND AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE FINES & PENALTIES 
 
Sec. 40. Authority to Adjudicate and Administer Administrative Penalties. - The Bureau or their 
respective authorized representatives are authorized to exercise administrative adjudication 
confiscation and forfeiture powers, including the power to cite in contempt, in all cases of 
violations of this Act and may impose administrative sanctions such as payment of fines, 
and/or order the suspension or cancellation of existing permits, certifications and 
disqualification for future permits, the closure of facilities, and/or the confiscation and forfeiture 


of all animals including products, and all paraphernalia, tools, implements and conveyances 
used in connection with the commission of the violation, and to dispose of the same in 
accordance with pertinent laws, regulations or policies on the matter. The Bureau or their 
authorized representatives may, after due notice and hearing, cancel or suspend permits, 
clearances, agreements and/or certificates due to violation of this Act, its implementing rules 
and regulations, and/or the terms of the permits, agreements or certificates. The Bureau upon 
approval of the Secretary shall issue appropriate adjudication procedures, rule and 
regulations. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
PERMITS, CERTIFICATES AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT FEES AND CHARGES 
 
Sec. 41. Certificate of Registration and Permits. - 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, that 
has a minimum 10 dogs or cats combined or otherwise shall be considered as operating an 
animal facility when the following circumstances are present: 
a. when operating and representing itself publicly as such; 
b. when it has been securing donations or effecting rescue under the definition of 
this code. 
As such, said facility shall be covered by the guidelines and requirements of the Act. 
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, or standards or other just causes. 
 
Sec. 42. Mayor's Permit Requirement. - No LGU shall issue Mayor's or business permit to any 
person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or government agency or 
instrumentality without the presentation of certificate coming from the Bureau that it has 
complied with the animal welfare standards set forth herein or any rules and regulations as 
may hereafter be enforced. 
 
CHAPTER X 
OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE PROVISIONS 
 
Sec. 43. Use of Animals for Show, Media, TV, Movies or Entertainment. - 
Promoters/organizers of animals show, media or entertainment, shall obtain necessary permit 
from the Bureau when using animals. The presence of a licensed veterinarian during the entire 
show, taping, shooting or program shall be required. The Bureau shall list down requirements 
for this purpose. All other provision regarding proper care and treatment of animals in general 
shall be applicable to these animals used for show or entertainment especially with respect to 
transport, holding area, allowance for rest and provision of food and water. 
It shall be unlawful for producers and promoters of shows where animals are used to 
import, procure or use animals from sources without animal welfare standards/laws and/or has 
been shown to have maltreated or exposed animals to inhumane conditions prior to its 
importation. The animal should be given sufficient food and accommodation as well as 
adequate rest for the entire duration of its stay in the Philippines. 
 
Sec 44. Use of Animals for Work. - Animals used as working animals including but not limited 
to carriage horses, farm animals and the like must comply with the health and welfare 
standards set forth herein and as may be issued by the Bureau taking into consideration their 
nature and behavior. 
Working animals should not be allowed to work under circumstances where its health 
and safety will be at risk. Overworking of animals is hereby prohibited. Water and appropriate 
shelter protecting the same from extreme weather condition must be provided. 


 
Sec 45. Use of animals as guide or service animals- Service animals, such as but not limited 
to guide/service dogs are hereby regulated by the Bureau and welfare guidelines established. 
Certification guidelines and standards for accreditation of dogs shall be established by 
the Bureau in consultation with relevant agencies and concerned groups. Service dog/Guide 
dog shall be defined accordingly. 
 
Sec. 46. Use of Animals in Research and Scientific study. - Animals used in scientific 
procedures, research, and studies shall be regulated by the Bureau, ensuring that animal 
welfare regulations and guidelines in the use, experimentation, testing and manipulations of 
animals for said purpose are complied with at all times. The academe and research institutions 
are encouraged to use non-animal research, testing, or educational model or strategy when 
reasonably and practicably available. Animal experimentation may be performed only as a last 
resort upon exhaustion of alternative approaches 
No 
person, 
partnership, 
corporation, 
cooperative, 
government 
agency 
or 
instrumentality undertaking or operating any research facility shall use any animal in research 
or experiments without first obtaining a written authorization from the Bureau upon compliance 
with such guidelines and qualifications necessary to obtain such authority. 
 
Sec. 47. Farm Animals- The Bureau shall set out standards and guidelines in consultation with 
the stakeholders in the establishment and gradual compliance with animal welfare standards 
to better the living and health condition of animals in the farm industry. 
 
Sec. 48. Transportation of Animals. - 
a. No person shall transport an animal or cause an animal to be transported in a way 
likely to cause injury or undue suffering to such animal, including but not limited to 
overcrowding, lack of adequate ventilation and appropriate transport cages, 
unnecessary or painful restraint, improper and unsafe stowing, transport during 
extreme weather condition and the like, as well as failure to adequately provide food 
and water for the transported animals. 
b. No person transporting an animal in connection with an economic activity shall fail to: 
1. Ensure that such animal is fit to travel and checked regularly during the 
voyage, at least once every six hours; 
2. Protect such animal from extreme temperatures, with journeys limited to a 
duration as prescribed by the Bureau depending on the specie, nature and 
needs of the transported animal; 
3. Ensure that vehicle loading and unloading facilities are constructed and 
maintained to avoid injury and suffering; 
4. Provide sufficient floor space and height allowance so as to allow such 
animal to lie down, stand up, fully stretch its limbs, and tum around freely 
without any impediment; and 
5. After each eight hour travel period, rest such animal off the vehicle for at 
least 24 hours, providing such animal sufficient water and feed. 
For purposes of this Section, transport "in connection with an economic activity" 
includes but is not limited to journeys undertaken by commercial haulers, farmers, 
commercial animal breeders and horse racers. Such transport is not limited to transport 
where an immediate exchange of money, goods, or services takes place and instead 
includes, in particular, transport which directly or indirectly involves or aims at a 
financial gain. 
 
c. No person shall transport an animal fewer than eight weeks old, a pregnant female 
who has passed through 90% of her expected gestational period, a female who has 
given birth in the past seven days, or a sick or injured animal, unless such transport is 
to or from a veterinary practice or clinic; 


d. Any violation of this Section shall be penalized even if the transporter has a permit to 
transport from the Bureau; 
e. Any violation of this Section shall be penalized even if the transporter has a permit to 
transport from the Bureau; 
f. Any vehicle used in the transportation or importation/exportation of animals in violation 
of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed an instrument employed in the 
commission of the crime, and shall be ordered confiscated and forfeited in favor of the 
government upon conviction of the accused. 
 
Sec. 49. Importation and Export of Live Animals. - For the import and/or export of live animals, 
compliance with the provisions of this Act must be ensured, including proper holding facilities. 
Import of animals from countries of extreme cold climates shall be prohibited unless 
specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Bureau upon submission of approved 
care and sustainability program or plan. 
 
Sec. 50. Spay and Neuter and Vaccination of Stray Cats and Dogs. - The Local Government 
Units through the Office of the Provincial, City and First Class Municipalities shall implement 
a mandatory spay and neuter for stray dogs and cats to control animal strays and rabies. The 
Bureau may come up with other dog/cat population control program$ in keeping with what is 
relevant and necessary. Pest control companies shall not be allowed to capture and dispose 
of cats and/or dogs. 
 
Sec. 51. Communication, Education and other Public Awareness Campaigns- The Bureau 
together with other agencies, NGO's and stakeholders shall implement programs towards 
increasing awareness on animal welfare through education and various information 
awareness activities and programs. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
APPROPRIATION 
 
Sec. 52. Appropriation - The initial funding to establish the Bureau shall be taken from the 
General Appropriations of the Department of Agriculture for the first year. 
The subsequent funding shall be included in the General Appropriation Act which shall 
include all necessary amounts to achieve the purposes of this Act and to ensure the proper 
functioning of the Bureau, including the enforcement of this Act. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
PENALTIES 
 
Sec. 53. Penalties -  
a. Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, torture, maltreatment or any of the 
prohibited acts herein shall be punished with a minimum imprisonment of 1 year and 
6 months to a maximum of three years and/or a minimum fine of Php 30,000 but not 
exceeding Php 100,000 pesos as maximum; 
b. Abandonment of animal shall be punished by a penalty of 6 months to one year and 
/or a fine not exceeding Php 10,000; 
If the animal is left in circumstances likely to cause the animal unnecessary 
suffering or if this abandonment results in the death or injury of the animal, the person 
liable shall suffer the maximum penalty. 
c. Operating an animal facility including any animal transport facility, without the required 
permit shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of 6 months to a maximum of 
1 year and/or fine not exceeding Php 10,000 or both such fine and imprisonment 
without prejudice to the administrative liability of the owner/operator; 
d. Failure to obtain the required permits to use animals for show, entertainment, or any 
form of media, or use animals for research and /or scientific education experiment like 


shall be punished with a minimum imprisonment of 6 months to maximum of 1 year 
and 6 months and/ or fine not exceeding Php 30,000; 
e. If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the offender responsible thereof shall 
serve the imprisonment. If the violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be 
immediately deported after the service of sentence without any further proceedings; 
f. The penalty of two years and one day to three years and/or a fine of not exceeding 
Php 250,000.00 shall be imposed if the offense involves any of the following 
circumstances: 
i. committed by a syndicate involving a group of three or more individuals; 
ii. committed by an offender who makes business out of cruelty to animal; 
iii. committed by a public officer or employee; or 
iv. where at least three animals are involved. 
ln any of the foregoing situations, the offender shall suffer subsidiary 
imprisonment in case of insolvency and the inability to pay the fine; 
g. The maximum applicable penalty shall be imposed upon a person who, at the time of 
his or her trial for a violation of this Act, shall have been previously convicted by final 
judgment of the same or another violation of this Act; 
h. Any person found guilty of dog meat trading shall be fined not less than Five Thousand 
Pesos per dog and subjected to imprisonment for one year to four years;  
i. 
Violation of any other provisions of this code shall be penalized by minimum 
imprisonment of three (3) months to a maximum of 1 year and/or fine not exceeding 
5,000 or both such fine and imprisonment; 
j. 
The liability of any person herein is without prejudice to his/her liability for any other 
offenses under another law including administrative; 
k. Any person who has been habitually convicted of a violation of this Act shall be 
permanently and perpetually disqualified from being issued any permits or certificate 
to operate any animal facility including owning or possessing an animal/pet; 
l. 
The Court in its discretion may, in lieu of service in jail, require that penalties imposed 
less than one year be served by the defendant by rendering community service under 
such terms and conditions that the court may determine depending on the gravity of 
the offense. Under this circumstance, the court will prepare an order imposing the 
penalty of community service in lieu of the penalty, specifying the number of hours to 
be worked and the period for it to be completed. Community service to be rendered 
must be related to assistance to animals. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
Sec. 54. Animal Welfare Fund. - There is hereby established an Animal Welfare Fund to be 
administered by the Bureau as a special account in the National Treasury. It shall finance the 
programs of the Bureau on animal welfare as well as enforcement process. 
The Fund shall be derived from fines imposed and damages awarded pursuant to 
violations of this Act, fees charged for permits, registrations, and authorizations, donations, 
endowments, administrative fees or grants in the form of contributions. Contribution to the 
Fund shall be exempt from donor taxes and all other taxes, charges or fees imposed by the 
government. 
 
Sec. 55. Mandatory Animal Welfare Education - It shall be mandatory for all primary and 
secondary education schools, public and private to integrate in their curriculum and have 
activities on the following: 
(1) the promotion and protection of the welfare of animals; 
(2) responsible pet ownership; and 
(3) concept of animal welfare. 
 


Sec. 56. Emergency Response -The Bureau shall create and implement, in collaboration with 
the local government units and animal welfare NGOs, an interagency emergency response 
program for rescuing and caring for animals in times of calamity including but not limited to 
floods, earthquakes and the like. Such program shall include the establishment and placing of 
the animals in identified animal evacuation centers, temporary shelters and/or recognized 
rescue centers, whether public or private, until the same are claimed by their rightful owners 
or can be rehomed appropriately. 
The Bureau, through the LGUs, shall likewise establish an emergency response 
system to rescue and/or refer animals victim of abuse, cruelty and maltreatment to recognized 
animal shelters or facilities whether public or private. 
 
Sec. 57. Custody of Rescued Animals- Any animal/s seized or rescued from violators of this 
act made in response to a violation of any provision of this Act and subsequent guidelines, 
rules and regulations may be held in custody pending disposition of administrative, civil or 
criminal proceedings. 
Animals seized or rescued shall be referred to the Local Government Pound or Shelter, 
Bureau accredited animal facilities subject to rules and regulations as may be hereinafter be 
issued. For wildlife, the same shall be referred to the DENR-BMB or their nearest regional 
offices. 
 
Sec. 58. Role of Local Government Units and other government agencies. – Local government 
units shall support the Bureau in the implementation of this Act by issuing necessary animal 
welfare ordinances and implementing animal welfare programs in coordination with the 
Bureau, including the conduct of mandatory spay and neuter to control dog and cat population 
as well as veterinary access. Other government agencies handling animals within the 
definition of this Act are required to adopt and implement animal welfare standards, policies, 
rules and regulations in their operation consistent with this Act. 
Recognizing the important role of the Barangay, a Barangay Animal Welfare Task 
Force shall be created and shall adopt programs consistent with the provisions of this Act and 
rules and regulations issued to implement the purpose of this Act. 
 
Sec. 59. Construction of the law- This Act shall be liberally construed in favor of the promotion 
and protection of the welfare of the animals. 
 
Sec. 60. Transition - During the transition within one year from effectivity hereof, the existing 
Bureau of Animal Industry shall remain to be the supervisory and authority in the 
implementation of the provisions of this act and shall manage, supervise turn over and monitor 
the establishment of the Bureau until the same becomes operational including the assignment 
and appointment of personnel and staff during the transition. 
 
Sec. 61. Separability Clause - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, which are not affected, shall continue to be 
in full force and effect. 
 
Sec. 62. Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
Sec. 63. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,