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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
Second Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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S E N A T E  
S. NO. 3093 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
There is no doubt that animals have contributed to the enrichment and humanity 
of society. Pets, in particular, have been a source of enduring companionship, service 
and therapy to their owners. 
Republic Act No. 8485 known as “The Animal Welfare Act of 1998” established 
a policy of protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals in the Philippines. 
Though commendable, this law did not include adequate measures for protection of both 
the animals and the community in which they live in. 
In order to encourage the harmonious living of animals and humans, a policy of 
responsible pet ownership must also be upheld. 
This bill penalizes those who abandon their pets, or those who abandon animals 
they have sideswiped or run over. It also penalizes pet owners who allow their animals to 
run wild, endangering the community. Finally, it mandates that programs which promote 
animal welfare be established in every city and municipality throughout the country. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
9 FEB 24 P3 :I39 
S E N A T E  
S. No. 3093 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485, ALSO KNOWN AS, “THE ANIMAL 
WELFARE ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES,” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION I. Section 1 of Republic Act 8485 is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
“SECTION 1. THIS ACT SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE “ANMAL 
WELFARE AND CONTROL ACT.” 
SECTION 2. A new section is hereby inserted after Section 4 of Republic Act 
8485 to read as follows: 
“SECTION 5. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR THE OWNER OF ANY 
ANIMAL TO ALLOW IT TO RUN AT LARGE UNATTENDED ON 
OR ABOUT THE STREETS OR ON THE PROPERTY OF ANOTHER 
WITHOUT SUCH PROPERTY OWNER’S CONSENT. ANY SUCH 
ANIMAL AT LARGE SHALL BE IMPOUNDED BY THE LOCAL 
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITIES. 
IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF EVERY OWNER OF ANY ANIMAL TO 
KEEP THE ANIMAL UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES WHILE 
THE ANIMAL IS ON THE REAL PROPERTY OF THE OWNER. FOR 
PURPOSE OF THIS SECTION, AN ANIMAL IS DEEMED UNDER 
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CONTROL WHEN IT IS CONFINED BY WAY OF FENCE OR 
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OTHER ENCLOSURE, RESTRAINED BY SUBSTANTIAL CHAIN OR 
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LEASH, RESTRAINED IN SOME OTHER PHYSICAL MANNER BY 
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A COMPETENT PERSON, OR IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF A 
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COMPETENT PERSON WHO IS PRESENT WITH THE ANIMAL, 
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VIA VOICE COMMAND, SO THAT THE ANIMAL DOES NOT 
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WANDER OFF THE REAL PROPERTY OF THE OWNER. 
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IN ADDITION, ALL MALE AND FEMALE DOGS AND CATS 
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THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SPAYED OR NEUTERED MUST BE 
SECURELY CONFINED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY NOT ONLY 
CANNOT GET OUT TO RUN LOOSE, BUT ALSO CANNOT BE 
REACHED BY OTHER DOGS OR CATS. 
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IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE OWNER OF ANY ANIMAL 
TO KEEP THE ANIMAL UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES WHILE 
THE ANIMAL IS OFF OF THE REAL PROPERTY LIMITS OF THE 
OWNER. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, AN ANIMAL IS 
DEEMED UNDER CONTROL WHEN IT IS CONFINED WITHIN A 
VEHICLE, PARKED OR JN MOTION, IS SECURED BY A LEASH OR 
OTHER DEVICE HELD BY A COMPETENT PERSON, OR IS 
PROPERLY 
CONFINED 
WITHIN 
AN 
ENCLOSURE 
WITH 
PERMISSION OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY WHERE THE 
ENCLOSURE IS LOCATED.” 
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“SECTION 7. 
THE COMMITTEE SHALL DRAW UP 
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GUIDELINES 
FOR 
THE 
ESTABLISHMENT 
OF 
ANIMAL 
SECTION 3. Section 5 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 6. 
SECTION 4. A new section is hereby inserted after Section 5 of Republic Act 
8485 to read as follows: 
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SHELTERS. EVERY CITY AND MUNICIPALITY IS ENCOURAGED 
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TO ESTABLISH AT LEAST ONE ANIMAL SHELTER WITHIN 
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THEIR VICINTY. 
IN THE MEANTIME THAT NO ANIMAL 
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SHELTER HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, A PLAN FOR THE 
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PROTECTION AND ADOPTION OF LOST AND STRAY ANIMALS 
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SHALL BE FORMULATED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ANIMAL 
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WELFARE IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPT. OF INTERIOR 
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AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG). 
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IN SUPPORT OF THESE OBJECTIVES, THE COMMITTEE 
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SHALL ESTABLISH PROGRAMS FOR THE TRAINNG OF ALL 
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ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS INSTRUCTING THEM IN THE 
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PROPER OPERATION OF ANIMAL SHELTERS AND THE HUMANE 
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TREATMENT OF LOST AND STRAY ANIMALS.” 
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read as follows: 
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“SECTION 10. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY 
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PERSON WHO IS IN THE CUSTODY OF AN ANIMAL TO 
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ABANDON THE ANIMAL. 
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IF ANY PERSON BEING THE OWNER OR HAVING CHARGE 
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OR CONTROL OF ANY 
ANIMAL 
SHALL 
WITHOUT 
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REASONABLE CAUSE OR EXCUSE ABANDON IT, WHETHER 
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PERMANENTLY OR NOT, WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR THE CARE 
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OF 
THAT 
ANIMAL, 
SUCH 
ACT 
SHALL 
CONSITUTE 
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MALTREATMENT UNDER SECTION 8. 
SECTION 5. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 8. 
SECTION 6. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 9. 
SECTION 7. A new section is hereby inserted after Section 7 of the same Act to 
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IF THE ANIMAL IS LEFT IN CIRCUMSTANCES LIKELY TO 
CAUSE THE ANIMAL ANY UNNECESSARY SUFFERING, OR IF 
THIS ABANDONMENT RESULTS IN THE DEATH OF THE 
ANIMAL, THE PERSON LIABLE SHALL SUFFER THE MAXIMUM 
PENALTY. 
ABANDONMENT MEANS THE RELINQUISHMENT OF ALL 
RIGHT, TITLE, CLAIM, OR POSSESSION OF THE ANIMAL WITH 
THE INTENTION OF NOT RECLAIMING IT OR RESUMING ITS 
OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION.” 
SECTION 8. A new section is hereby inserted after the section above to read as 
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follows: 
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“SECTION 11. IF A DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR 
OTHER SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE SHALL STRIKE AND INJURE 
OR KILL ANY DOMESTICATED ANIMAL, SUCH DRIVER SHALL 
GIVE 
REASONABLE 
AID 
AND 
ASSISTANCE 
AND/OR 
PROTECTION TO SUCH ANIMAL, WITHOUT PLACING HIMSELF 
OR HERSELF AT UNREASONABLE RISK, AND CALL AND 
REPORT THE FACTS PERTAINING TO THE INCIDENT TO EITHER 
OF THE FOLLOWING AUTHORITIES: 
1. BARANGAY OFFICIALS; OR 
2. THE POLICE AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION IN THE AREA 
WHERE THE ANIMAL IS STRUCK. 
AFTER MAKING THE REPORT R E Q U m D  ABOVE, THE 
DRIVER SHALL COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY 
THE AGENCY CONTACTED AND SHALL, IF INSTRUCTED, 
REMAIN AT THE SCENE UNTIL APPROPRIATE POLICE OR 
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY ARRIVES. AFTER ARRIVAL OF 
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APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY, THE DRIVER SHALL COOPERATE 
WITH SUCH AUTHORITY IN THE INVESTIGATION AND 
REPORTING OF THE INCIDENT. 
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COMPLYING WITH THE 
REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH ABOVE, THE MOTOR VEHICLE 
DRIVER MAY TRANSPORT THE ANIMAL WHICH HAS BEEN 
STRUCK TO THE CITY OR MUNICIPALITY’S ANIMAL FACILITY, 
OR, IN THE CASE OF AN ANIMAL WHICH IS INJURED AND NOT 
DEAD, TO A VETERINARIAN FOR TREATMENT OF THE 
ANIMAL’S INJURIES. IF THE DRIVER CHOOSES THE LATTER 
COURSE OF ACTION, HE/SHE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 
COST OF TREATMENT IF REQUIRED BY THE VETERINARIAN. 
FAILURE 
TO 
COMPLY 
WITH 
ANY 
OF 
THE 
REQUIREMENTS IN THIS 
SECTION SHALL CONSTITUTE 
ABANDONMENT OF THE ANIMAL UNDER SECTION 8. 
THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO DRNERS OF 
EMERGENCY VEHICLES IF SUCH VEHICLES ARE BEING 
OPERATED IN RESPONSE TO A BONA FIDE EMERGENCY 
SITUATION AT 
THE TIME 
THE 
ANIMAL 
IS 
STRUCK. 
EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATORS WHO STRIKE AN ANIMAL 
DURING A RESPONSE TO A BONA FIDE EMERGENCY 
SITUATION SHALL NOTIFY THE AUTHORITIES MENTIONED 
ABOVE OF THE INCIDENT AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE 
THEREAFTER.” 
SECTION 9. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 12. 
SECTION 10. A new section is hereby inserted after the section above to read as 
follows: 
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“SECTION 13. Approprzations. - THE AMOUNT NECESSARY FOR 
THE INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE CHARGED 
AGAINST THE APPROPRIATIONS OF THE DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE. 
THEREAFTER, SUCH SUM AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR ITS FULL 
IMPLEMENTATION SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL 
APPROPRIATIONS ACT AS A DISTINCT AND SEPARATE ITEM.” 
SECTION 11. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 14. 
SECTION 12. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 15 
SECTION 13. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 15. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
lacs 
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