Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9543
Introduced by Honorable Richard I. Gomez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals 
are treated” (Gandhi). 
When it comes to animal welfare concerns, non-governmental organizations like the 
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or the Philippine Animal 
Welfare Society (PAWS), it seems, have taken the lead vis-à-vis the government (such 
as the Bureau of Animal Industry). These private institutions are the go-to entities when 
people need to address the critical needs of animals which are victims of cruelty or 
neglect. 
However, there have at least been some instances in the past when the assistance of 
the SPCA, the PAWS, etc. have been unavailable and these occur when their 
resources or facilities have been stretched to the limit. This happens when they have 
no more space to accommodate additional animals in distress due to the high demand 
for their services and partly due to the low adoption rates of animals in their custody.  
Hence, there is a an urgent need for the government to actively intervene if the private 
sector could no longer cope with the delivery of charitable services of this nature. A 
new framework or system must be instituted so that the state could address the plight 
of such other God’s creatures. This is the reason for this measure.     
Somebody also once said that “We don’t have two hearts, one for animals and one for 
humans: we have one heart or we don’t have any.” 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 
Fourth District, Leyte 
November 14, 2023
2:12 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9543
Introduced by Honorable Richard I. Gomez 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE REVISED ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known and referred to as the “Revised Animal 
Welfare Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It shall be the policy of the State to protect and promote 
the 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 hunger and thirst;
(2) Freedom from discomfort and pain;
(3)Freedom from injury and disease;
(4)Freedom to express normal behavior; and
(5)Freedom from fear and distress.
SEC.3. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all programs, activities, and undertakings 
of any person, association, partnership, corporation, organization or entity or 
government agency or instrumentality, that: 
a.
handle, breed, train, keep, care for, transport, exhibit, display, use, and in any
other manner 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 objectives of this Act are: 
a.
To protect and promote animal welfare by providing policies and standards in
the establishment and operation of animal facilities and transportation;
b.
To establish guidelines and standards in the use, treating, breeding, maintaining,
keeping, and training of all animals;


c.
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;
d.
To promote responsible pet ownership through education and information
dissemination;
e.
To regulate the operation and maintenance of animal facilities or any
establishment where animals are kept for whatever reason or purpose;
f.
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, slaughterhouses, veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital,
stockyard, corral, stud farm, stock farm or zoo for the breeding, raising,
treatment, sale or trading, or training of animals;
g.
To establish inter-agency, multi-sectoral and local government cooperation for
the promotion and protection of animal welfare;
h.
To create and establish an organizational structure that will effectively implement
the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant to it; and
i.
To promote public awareness and concern for caring for animals and its welfare.
SEC.5. Principles of Animal Welfare. – 
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;
c.
Protection of animal habitat, which is appropriate to their species-typical biology
and behavior, is an animal welfare consideration;
d.
Animals should be cared for and treated in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress,
and suffering;
e.
Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and,
when necessary, provided a humane death; and
f.
Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane,
socially responsible, and scientifically prudent;
SEC.6. Definitions. – As used in this Act: 
a.
Animal - refers to domesticated vertebrate and invertebrate species under the
control or custody of man, which may be food producing, companion, labor,
aquatic or laboratory, including birds.


b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
Animal welfare – pertains to the physical and psychological well-being 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.
e.
Bureau – refers to the Animal Welfare Bureau.
f.
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, aquatic facilities and the like.
g.
Euthanasia – refers to the Bureau-approved process or method of administering
painless death to animals.
h.
Keeper - refers to any person who owns, possesses, or has control or custody
over an animal.
i.
Pets - refers to domesticated animals, documented or otherwise, intended for
companionship, therapy, seeing and hearing guides, recreation and value
formation, and breeding such as but not limited to dogs, cats, fishes, rabbits,
rodents, reptiles and birds.
j.
Transport facility – refers to any means of transportation, public or private,
whether air, water, land including tricycles and the like, used to transport animals
to a particular destination.
k.
Wild animals - refers to animals of a species that are not traditionally
domesticated in the Philippines, including those captured from their natural
habitats.


 
 
 
 
CHAPTER I 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU 
 
SEC. 7. Animal Welfare Bureau. – The Animal Welfare Bureau is hereby created as a 
line bureau under the Department of Agriculture. As a government agency, it shall be the 
primary authority on all matters relating to animal welfare. 
 
The Animal Welfare Bureau shall establish regional, provincial and municipal offices as 
may be appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively and efficiently the provisions 
of this Act. 
 
SEC.8.Composition of the Animal Welfare Bureau.–The Bureau shall be headed by 
a Director who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. He/she shall be 
responsible for the general administration and management of the Bureau. The Director shall 
be assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who shall supervise the administrative and 
technical services of the Bureau. 
 
The Director as well as the Assistant Directors must possess adequate knowledge, 
training and experience in the field of agriculture, biology, animal husbandry, veterinary 
science, veterinary medicine or other similar discipline. 
 
Until the Director of the Animal Welfare Bureau shall have been appointed and 
qualified, the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry shall serve as interim Director of 
the Animal Welfare Bureau. He/she shall, within 30 days from the effectivity of this Act, 
submit a recommendation as to the personnel and staffing pattern of the Bureau for 
approval of the Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Service 
Commission. 
 
SEC. 9. Functions of the Bureau. – As a line bureau, it shall have the following 
functions: 
 
a. 
Formulate, adopt, and issue policies, guidelines, standards, rules, and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act; 
 
b. 
Provide minimum 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; 
 
c. 
In consultation with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation 
Franchising Regulatory Board, Civil Aeronautics Board, the Maritime Industry, 
other transport regulating body or agencies, experts, and animal welfare groups, 
set a species-specific standard 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 not only the species of the animal being transported, but its specific 
needs, size, behavior and condition; 
 
d. 
Establish an emergency animal response and rescue system to appropriately 
respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, earthquakes, 
volcanic eruption, and other natural disasters; 
 
e. 
Promulgate guidelines for humane slaughter of animals, in coordination and 
consultation with the National Meat Inspection Service, local government units 


 
 
 
 
and other concerned government agencies; 
 
f. 
Implement a system for inspection of animal facilities, as well as vehicles or any 
transport system used to transport animals, including the authority to order their 
closure and stoppage of operations for any violation of this Act; 
 
g. 
Exercise administrative adjudication, confiscation, and forfeiture powers in all 
cases of violations of this Act; 
 
h. 
Impose, collect, and enforce administrative sanctions, such as the payments of 
fines for violations of this Act; 
 
i. 
Monitor compliance of the local government units with animal welfare programs, 
standards, rules and regulations; 
 
j. 
Ensure proper coordination and tie-ups with non-government organizations, 
people’s organizations and academe for the strict implementation of the rules 
and regulations issued; 
 
k. 
Formulate guidelines and qualifications related to research and testing on 
animals; 
 
l. 
Issue, suspend, cancel permits or certifications pursuant to the purposes of this 
Act; 
 
m. 
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; 
n. 
Keep records and documents pertaining to animal welfare in the country as well 
as the maintenance of surveillance and management information system on 
animal welfare; 
 
o. 
Create a system and guidelines for the determination or 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;  
 
p. 
Call upon any government agency for assistance consistent with its powers, 
duties, and responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient 
implementation of this Act, and it shall be the duty of such government agency to 
assist the Bureau when called upon for assistance using any available resources 
for the purpose; and  
 
q. 
Perform such other duties and responsibilities which are necessary to achieve 
the purposes of this Act. 
 
CHAPTER II 
ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS 
 
SEC.10. Deputization of Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers.–The Secretary 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 (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies shall 
designate animal welfare enforcement officers who shall assist in the implementation of 
this Act. In 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, and 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; and 
 
2. 
mechanism for the supervision, monitoring and reporting of these enforcement 
officers. 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
BASIC ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING 
 
SEC. 11. Minimum Standards For Handling, Care, Treatment, Transportation, And 
Opportunity To Express Natural Behaviors Of Animals. – The Bureau shall 
promulgate standards to govern humane handling, care, treatment and transportation 
and opportunity to express natural behaviors of animals. The standards shall include 
minimum requirements for handling, shelter, feeding, watering, sanitation, ventilation, 
adequate veterinary care and separation by species, as well as transportation of 
animals in commerce and for research and the handling, care and treatment in 
connection therewith. 
 
The Bureau, in consultation with experts and key government agencies, shall 
promulgate other rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to assure humane 
treatment of animals. 
 
CHAPTER IV  
PROHIBITED ACTS 
 
SEC. 12. Prohibition on Cruelty, Maltreatment, Abuse and Exploitation of 
Animals. – It shall be unlawful 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 inhumane methods such as electrocution or gas chamber or 
using petrol or diesel exhaust; 
 
d. 
using an animal in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the 
Bureau; and 
 
e. 
Overworking an animal. 
 
SEC.13.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 the Bureau’s minimum 
standards for unjustifiable reasons. 
 
SEC. 14. Prohibition on Killing of Animals. – It shall be unlawful for any person to kill 
animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses and 
other animals identified by the Bureau. The killing of pets and animals not customarily 
consumed as food, or causing or procuring the same to be killed is prohibited, except 
in the following instances: 
 
a. 
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; 
 
b. 
When pet animal is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as 
determined, deemed necessary, and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian; 
 
c. 
When it is done to prevent imminent danger to the life or limb of humans; 
 
d. 
When done for the purpose of animal population control, duly certified by the 
Provincial/City Veterinary Officer; 
 
e. 
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 
21; 
 
f. 
Humane slaughter of a farm animal; or 
 
g. 
Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by a 
duly licensed veterinarian.  
 
In all the above-mentioned cases, the killing shall at all times be done only 
through 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. 15. Prohibition on ear cropping, tail docking, de-vocalization, declawing 
and other similar mutilation. – The conduct of ear cropping, tail docking, 
devocalization, de-clawing, or any other similar mutilation is prohibited, except in cases 
as may be required for the well-being of the animal as determined by a duly licensed 
veterinarian. When allowed, the same may only be performed by a duly licensed 


veterinarian. 
SEC. 16. Prohibition on Animal Fights. – It is prohibited to subject animals to fights 
such as but not limited to dog fighting, carabao or bull fighting 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 shall not be limited to pitting one animal with another for the purpose of human 
entertainment, wagering, or sport. In 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: 
1.
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;
2.
Advertise, promote, sell tickets or otherwise assist in an animal fighting venture;
3.
Attend such a fight;
4.
Breed or train any animal for the purpose of having it fight, engage, or otherwise
participate in an animal fighting venture;
5.
Permit an animal fighting venture to take place on any site, structure, facility or
other premises under the person’s ownership or control; or
6.
Attend, wager on, or otherwise patronize 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. 
17. 
Prohibition 
Against 
Operating 
an 
Animal 
Facility 
Without 
Permit/Certification. – Operating any facility without the necessary permit or 
certification from the Bureau is hereby prohibited.  
CHAPTER V  
OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE PROVISIONS 
SEC. 18. Use of Animals for Show, Media, TV, Movies or Entertainment. – 
Promoters/organizers of animal show, media or entertainment shall obtain necessary 
permits 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 
lay down requirements for this purpose. All other provisions 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. 19. 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 minimum 
standards set forth herein and as may be issued by the Bureau. Working animals 
should not be allowed to work under circumstances where its health and safety will be 
at risk. 
 
SEC. 20. 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. Certification 
guidelines and standards for accreditation of dogs shall be established. 
 
SEC. 21. Use Of Animals In Research. – 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. 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 set by the Bureau. 
 
SEC. 22. Spay and Neuter and Vaccination of Stray Cats, Dogs and other Animals. 
–Local government units, in coordination with the Bureau’s municipal, provincial or 
regional offices, shall implement a mandatory spay and neuter for stray dogs, cats and 
other animals identified by the Bureau. 
 
SEC.23. Rescue of Animals inan enclosed facility. – Animals found to have been 
abandoned, deprived of basic care, protection and food or subjected to inhumane or 
cruel situations, kept in an enclosed, locked, secured or sealed facility, whether public 
or private, may be rescued, in coordination with the concerned local government units 
and the Bureau’s municipal, provincial or regional office. 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 issued. For wildlife, the same shall 
be referred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or their 
nearest regional offices. 
 
SEC. 24. 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. 25. 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: 
 
a) 
the promotion and protection of the welfare of animals; 
 
b) 
responsible pet ownership; and 
c) 
concept of animal welfare. 
 
SEC. 26. Communication, Education and other Public Awareness campaigns. – 
The Bureau, together with concerned government agencies, and in partnership with 


 
 
 
 
organizations, shall implement programs towards increasing awareness on animal 
rights and animal welfare through various information awareness activities and 
programs. 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 
ADJUDICATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 27. Authority to Adjudicate and Impose and Collect Administrative Fines. – 
The Bureau or its representatives are authorized to exercise adjudication as well as 
administrative functions, including the power, after due process, to order confiscation 
and forfeiture of animals, paraphernalia, tools, implements and conveyances and to 
dispose of the same as well as the imposition and collection of fines and the 
suspension or cancellation of permits and certifications and the closure of facilities, in 
accordance with law. 
 
SEC. 28. Visitorial/Inspection power. – Owners and/or operators of animal facilities 
shall be subjected to regular, as well as random inspections by the Director or its 
authorized officers and employees to ensure compliance with the standards set forth 
by this Act. Fines, suspension or revocation of permits or certificates may be imposed 
to owners/operators subject to rules and regulations prescribed by the Bureau. 
Facilities operating without necessary permit or certification will be penalized. 
 
SEC.29. Custody and Disposition of Effects.– Persons or organizations authorized 
by the Bureau or the law enforcement agencies shall take charge of the custody of items 
seized including animals, pursuant to arrests made in violation of any provision of this Act, 
pending disposition of administrative, civil and criminal proceedings. Animals seized shall be 
referred to Bureau-accredited animal facilities. Wild animals shall be referred to the DENR-
BMB, without prejudice to the latter’s referral or transfer of the animals to other animal facilities 
with better and more suited facilities. Animals seized and/or rescued from inhumane conditions 
or facilities shall be immediately relieved from such condition or situation, provided, That 
physical inventory, documentation and photograph shall be conducted at the place of seizure 
for purposes of preserving evidence. 
 
SEC. 30. Emergency Response. – The Bureau shall create and implement, in 
collaboration with the local government units and organizations, an interagency 
emergency response program for rescuing and caring for animals in times of calamity 
including but not limited to floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and the like. 
Such program shall include placing of the animals in identified 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 local 
government units, shall likewise establish an emergency response system to rescue 
and/or refer animals that are victims of abuse, cruelty and maltreatment to recognized 
animal shelters or facilities, whether public orprivate. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
PENALTIES 
 
SEC.31. Penalties.– 
 
a. 
Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, torture, maltreatment 
or any of the prohibited acts herein shall be punished with a penalty 
of six months imprisonment and a minimum fine of Thirty Thousand 
Pesos (P30,000.00). 
 


 
 
 
 
b. 
Abandonment of an animal shall be punished by a penalty of 
imprisonment of three months and or a fine not exceeding Fifteen 
Thousand Pesos (P15,000.00). If the animal is left in circumstances 
likely to cause the animal unnecessary suffering or if the 
abandonment results in death or injury of the animal, the person liable 
shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of six months of 
imprisonment and/or a fine of Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00); 
 
c. 
Operating an animal facility including any animal transport facility, 
without the required permit shall be punished with a penalty of one 
year imprisonment and a fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00). 
 
d. 
Failure to obtain the required permits to use animals for research and 
/or scientific education experiment and the like shall be punished with 
a penalty of six months imprisonment and a minimum fine of Thirty 
Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00). 
 
e. 
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 imprisonment and a fine of Two Hundred 
Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) shall be imposed if the offense 
involves any of the following circumstances: 
 
1) committed by a syndicate involving a group of three or more 
individuals; 
2) committed by an offender who makes business out of cruelty to 
animal; 
3) committed by a public officer or employee; or 
4) where at least three animals are involved. 
 
In any of the foregoing situations, the offender shall suffer subsidiary 
imprisonment in case of insolvency and the inability to pay the fine. 
 
g. 
If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the offender 
responsible therefor shall serve the penalty and/or pay the fine; 
 
h. 
Any person who has been convicted of a violation of this Act more 
than once 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; 
 
i. 
The Court in its discretion may, in lieu of service in jail, require that 
penalties imposed of less than one year imprisonment 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 shall 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. 
 
 


 
 
 
 
SEC. 32. Construction of the Law. – Any doubt as to the interpretation of this Act 
shall be liberally construed in favor of the promotion and protection of the welfare of 
animals. 
 
SEC. 33. Appropriation. – The initial amount necessary to effectively carry out the 
provisions of this Act shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of 
Agriculture. Thereafter, subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriation Act. 
 
SEC. 34. 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. 35. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 36. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
 
Approved,