Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19th CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  10790 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The majority of the households in the Philippines are pet owners — with 78% owning 
dogs, 50% owning cats, and the rest owning livestock and wildlife animals. Under Philippine 
law, animals were viewed as properties and were not considered subjects of rights. Without 
a voice of their own nor any laws protecting them, they are susceptible to the risks and 
dangers of human maltreatment. The creation of Republic Act No. 8485, also known as The 
Animal Welfare Act of 1998, was then enacted to ensure animal welfare.  
Despite existing laws preventing such crimes, cases of animal maltreatment and 
negligence persist in society. Incidents of animal cruelty have been rapidly increasing 
throughout the years. In 2020 alone, the organization Compassion and Responsibility for 
Animals (CARA) Welfare Philippines reported 3000 incidents of animal cruelty. In 2024, animal 
crimes continuously increase in different parts of the country and even in cyberspaces. The 
most recent case is the tragic death of Killua, a golden retriever that was brutally killed in 
Nabua, Camarines Sur, which has raised public clamor for justice and the strengthening of 
laws regarding animal cruelty. 
The silent suffering of mistreated pets and animals is a serious national concern that 
requires immediate solutions and sustained actions. This proposed measure mandates the 
establishment of an Animal Welfare Bureau that will supervise stricter enforcement of the law 
and create stiffer penalties for reprimanding irresponsible pet owners and perpetrators of 
animal cruelty. Furthermore, this bill aims to promote a community wherein awareness of 
animal welfare and responsible pet ownership exists. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
August 20, 2024
11:48 am


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19th CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  10790 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT STRENGTHENING ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS, ENACTING A REVISED 
ANIMAL WELFARE ACT, THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485, AS 
AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10631, APPROPRIATING  
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS 
Sec. 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "The Revised Animal Welfare Act". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the State's policy to protect life, liberty, and 
property which includes the promotion of animal welfare by establishing a system of 
supervision and regulation to ensure humane treatment in all aspects of the keeping, 
maintaining, handling, transporting, breeding, training, treating, and use of animals. Good 
animal welfare involves adherence to the five basic freedoms of animals namely: 
(1) Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition;
(2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
(3) Freedom from injury and disease;
(4) Freedom to express normal behaviors; and
(5) Freedom from fear and distress.
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all programs, activities, and undertakings 
of individuals, corporations, associations, organizations, or entities, 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.


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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 standards in the establishment and operation of animal facilities, transportation, 
and the like;  
b. To establish welfare 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, slaughterhouse, 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; 
g. To establish inter-agency, multi-sectoral, and local government cooperation for the 
promotion and protection of animal welfare;   
h. To create an agency and establish an organizational structure that will effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant to it; 
i. To promote public awareness and concern for caring for animals and their 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; 
Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially 
responsible, and scientifically prudent; 
d. Protection of animal habitat is an animal welfare consideration; 


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e. Consider the five basic freedoms 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 patterns; and 
 
 
(5) Freedom from fear and distress.  
f. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when 
necessary, provided with a humane death.  
 
Sec. 6. Definitions. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:  
(1) Animals refer to domesticated vertebrate and invertebrate species under the 
control of man, which may be food-producing, companion, laborers, aquatic, or 
laboratory including birds. The term excludes human and non-mammalian species;   
(2) Animal Welfare pertains to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. It 
includes, but is 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; 
(3) 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, airports, and 
seaports quarantine stations, animal holding facilities, stables, livestock markets, 
stockyards, corrals, stud farms, stock farms, slaughterhouses, aquaria, laboratories, 
veterinary clinics, and veterinary hospitals; 
(4) 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;  
(5) Animal Welfare Enforcement Officer refers to the Philippine National Police, 
National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, citizens' groups, 
community organizations, and other volunteer members of NGOs, and Peoples 
organizations designated as such enforcement officers by the Secretary of Agriculture; 
(6) Bureau refers to the Animal Welfare Bureau;  
(7) Captive Animals refers to animals that are confined for educational or recreational 
purposes in places such as but not limited to zoos, sanctuaries, rescue centers, sea or 
ocean facilities, and the like;  
 
(8) Department refers to the Department of Agriculture; 
 
(9) Director refers to the individual in charge of the Animal Welfare Bureau; 


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(10) Euthanasia refers to the bureau-approved process or method of painless death of 
animals; 
(11) Keeper refers to any person who owns, possesses, or has control or custody over 
an animal;  
 
(12) Local Government Unit (LGU)refers to the Province, City, or Municipalities; 
(13) 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, cats, fishes, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, 
and birds that are either acquired locally or through importation under government 
rules and regulations;  
(14) Person refers to any individual, corporation, company, business, enterprise, 
association, partnership, syndicate, trust, or other entity; 
(15) Reporter refers to any person who reports a suspected violation of any provision 
of this Act to the proper authorities;  
(16) Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;  
(17) Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) refers to a legal action filed 
to 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;  
(18) Transport Facility refers to any transportation public or private, whether air, 
water, or land including tricycles and the like used to transport animals to a particular 
destination; 
(19) 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. 
Furthermore, 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 - is hereby created as a line bureau under the 
Department of Agriculture. It 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. Functions of the Bureau. - As a line bureau, it shall have the following functions:  
 
(1) Formulate policies, guidelines, standards, rules, and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act; 
(2) 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 
(3) In consultation with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation 
Franchising Regulatory Board, Civil Aeronautics Board, the Maritime Industry, other 


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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; 
(4) Establish an emergency animal response and rescue system to appropriately 
respond in cases of calamities such as but not limited to floods, earthquakes, and other 
natural disasters; 
(5) Promulgate guidelines for the humane slaughter of animals, in consultation with 
the National Meat Inspection Service, local government units, and other concerned 
government agencies; 
(6) Implement a system for inspection of animal facilities to ensure compliance with 
animal welfare standards and regulations;   
(7) Monitor compliance of the local government units with animal welfare programs, 
standards, rules and regulations; 
(8) Ensure proper coordination with non-government organizations, people's 
organizations and academe for the strict implementation of the rules and regulations 
issued; 
(9) Formulate guidelines and qualifications related to research and testing on animals; 
(10) To issue, suspend, cancel permits or certifications pursuant to the purposes of 
this Act; 
(11) 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; 
(12) 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; 
(13) 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; 
(14) 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; and 
(15) Perform such other duties and responsibilities which are necessarily to achieve 
the purposes of this Act.  
 
Sec. 9. Composition of the Bureau. - As a line bureau, the Bureau shall be headed 
by a Director and assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who shall supervise the administrative 
and technical services of the Bureau. The Director must possess adequate knowledge, training 


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and experience in the field of agriculture, biology, animal husbandry, veterinary science, 
veterinary medicine or other similar discipline. 
 
Sec. 10. Personnel and Staffing Pattern. - Notwithstanding the provisions of 
existing laws, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall require the Director of the 
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), as an interim Director of the Bureau to submit within thirty 
(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. 
 
CHAPTER III 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 
 
 
Sec. 11. Deputization 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 the 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 
designated animal welfare enforcement officers in 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:  
 
 
Guidelines on the criteria and training requirements for the deputization of animal 
welfare enforcement officers; and the mechanism for the supervision, monitoring, and 
reporting of these enforcement officers. 
  
CHAPTER IV 
BASIC ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING GUIDELINES 
 
 
Sec. 12. 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 shelte for the animals depending on 
the kind, nature, and special needs thereof. 
 
 
Sec. 13. 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 behaviour and locomotion. 
 


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Sec. 14. Provision of Veterinary Medical Care for Sick, Compromised, or 
Injured Animals. - Any keeper of an animal must take all reasonable steps to ensure that 
the physical, health, and behavioural 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 a licensed veterinarian. 
 
 
Sec. 15. Provision of Appropriate Transport Facility. - Transport facilities for 
animals must be constructed, provisioned, and utilized in such a way as 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 the comfort and safety of the animal appropriate to its nature and size. 
 
 
Sec. 16. 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 timeline for improving farm facilities to 
comply with the provisions hereof. 
 
CHAPTER V 
PROHIBITED ACTS 
 
 
Sec.17. Prohibition on Cruelty, Maltreatment, Abuse, and Exploitation. - 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.   
 
 
Sec. 18. 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 Chapter V of this Act. 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. 


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Sec. 19. Prohibition on Killing of Animals. - It shall be unlawful for any person to 
kill any animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, or 
other food animals for human consumption. The killing of pets and animals not declared as 
food animals for human consumption, or cause or procuring 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 a 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 26; 
7. Humane slaughter of a farm animal; or 
8. Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by a duly 
licensed veterinarian. In all of the above-mentioned cases, the killing shall at all times 
be done only through euthanasia or other humane procedures approved by the Animal 
Welfare Bureau. For this purpose, humane procedures shall mean the use of the most 
scientific methods available as may be determined by the Bureau. 
 
 
Sec. 20. 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 the circumstances as 
described herein shall be considered as an accessory in the commission of animal fighting 
and/or abetting in the commission of animal cruelty. It shall include but 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 be 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; and  
(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. 


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Sec.21. Prohibition on Dog Meat Trading. - It shall be unlawful for any person to 
engage in the trade of dogs for their meat 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.22. Prohibition on Abandonment. - It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an 
animal, whether temporary or permanent, to abandon such animal. Animal abandonment 
refers to leaving behind an animal alone or permitting the animal to be abandoned in 
circumstances that might cause them harm.   
 
 
Sec. 23. Prohibition on Ear Cropping/ Tail docking, De-vocalization, and 
Declawing. - The conduct of ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization, declawing, 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. 24. Operating an Animal Facility without a Permit or Certificate. - 
Operating any facility without a necessary permit or certification from the Bureau is hereby 
prohibited. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
ENFORCEMENT 
 
 
Sec. 25. In General. - The Bureau, either independently, or in cooperation with 
LGUs, the registered NGOs, Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers, 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. 26. 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. 27. 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 the filing of criminal charges shall be as prescribed by 
the rules of criminal procedure contained in the Rules of Court. 
 
 
Sec. 28. Seizure of Effects. -  Any items seized including animals, pursuant to 
arrests made for violation of any provision of this Act shall be held by any person, facility, or 
organization, authorized by the Bureau, including the LGUs, 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 


10 
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 as photographing for purposes of preserving evidence. 
 
 
Sec. 29. 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, or 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 the 
owner of the facility. Except in cases where there is an imminent danger to the life of the 
animal, diligent effort to contact the 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. 30. 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 fifteen (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 the dismissal of the case against the 
respondent. A protection order may be sought by any concerned citizen, deputized animal 
welfare offier, law enforcement officer, 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 is or was 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 the respondent and his or her family or household member at a distance 
specified in the protection order or a minimum of 50 meters; 
 


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(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; and 
 
(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 multiple violations under this Act and shall be penalized accordingly. 
 
 
Sec. 31. 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 the Court. 
 
 
Sec. 32. 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 are 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. The presence of fresh and/or dried blood, by-products, or derivatives of the animals, 
with or without the tools, equipment, and/or paraphernalia derivatives, shall be a 


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disputable presumption of the killing and/or destruction of the habitat of the animal 
involved.  
 
 
CHAPTER VII 
PERMITS, CERTIFICATES, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT FEES AND CHARGES 
 
 
Sec. 33. Certificate of Registration 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 of ten (10) animals 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; and  
b. When it has been securing donations or effecting rescue under the definition of this 
code.   
 
 
As such, the said facility shall be covered by the guidelines and requirements of the 
Act. The Bureau may revoke or cancel the certificate of registration of an animal facility if such 
animal facility is found to be in violation of any provision of this Act or any associated 
guidelines, rules, regulations, standards or other just cause. 
 
 
Sec. 34. Mayor's Permit Requirement. - No LGU shall issue a Mayor's or business 
permit to any person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or government 
agency or instrumentality without the presentation of a 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 VIII 
OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE PROVISIONS 
 
 
Sec. 35. Use of Animals for Show, Media, TV, Movies, or Entertainment - 
Promoters/organizers of animal shows, media, or entertainment, shall obtain the 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 lay down 
requirements for this purpose. Ali 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 
have been shown to have maltreated or exposed animals to inhumane conditions prior to their 
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. 36. 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 their health and safety will be at risk. Overworking of animals is hereby 
prohibited. Water and appropriate shelter protecting the same from extreme weather 
conditions must be provided. 


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Sec. 37. Use of Animals as a 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 the accreditation of dogs 
shall be established by the Bureau in consultation with relevant agencies and concerned 
groups. Service dogs or Guide dogs shall be defined accordingly. 
 
 
Sec. 38. 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 written authorization from the Bureau upon compliance with such guidelines and 
qualifications necessary to obtain such authority. 
 
 
Sec. 39. 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. 40. Transportation of Animals. - The following stipulations shall be followed 
when transporting 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 an animal, including but not limited to 
overcrowding, lack of adequate ventiation 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 fall to: 
 
i. Ensure that such animal is fit to travel and checked regularly during the voyage, at 
least once every six hours; 
ii. Protect such animals from extreme temperatures, with journeys limited to duration 
as prescribed by the Bureau depending on the species, nature,and needs of the 
transported animal; 
iii. Ensure that vehicle loading and unloading facilities are constructed and maintained 
to avoid injury and suffering;  
iv. Provide sufficient floorspace and height allowance so as to allow such animal to lie 
down, stand up, fully stretch Its limbs, and turn around freely without any 
impediment; and 
v. After each eight (8) 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 


14 
immediate exchange of money, goods, or services takes place and instead includes, in 
particular, transport that directly or indirectly involves or alms at a financial gain. 
 
c. No person shall transport an animal fewer than eight (8) weeks old, a pregnant female 
who has passed through ninety percent (90%) of her expected gestational period, a 
female who has given birth in the past seven (7) 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; and 
 
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. 41. 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 extremely cold climates shall be 
prohibited unless specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Bureau upon 
submission of an approved care and sustainability program or plan. 
 
 
Sec. 42. Spay and Neuter and Vaccination of Stray Cats and Dogs. - The LGUs 
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 programs 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. 43. Communication, Education, and other Public Awareness 
Campaigns. -The Bureau together with other agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders shall 
implement programs towards increasing awareness of animal welfare through education and 
various information awareness activities and programs. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
APPROPRIATION 
 
 
Sec. 44. Appropriation. - The initial funding to establish the Bureau shall be taken 
from the General Appropriations of the Department of Agriculture to the extent of the amount 
of Fifty Million Pesos (50,000,000) 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 X 
PENALTIES 
 
Sec. 45. Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed for violation of any 
provision of this Act:   
 


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a. Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, torture, maltreatment or neglect shall, upon 
conviction by final judgment, be punished by imprisonment and/or fine, as indicated in the 
following graduated scale: 
 
1. Imprisonment of six (6) years and six (6) months and one (1) day to eight (8) years 
and/or fine not exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) if the animal 
subjected to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect dies; 
2. Imprisonment of three (3) years and six (6) months and one (1) day to six (6) years 
and/or a fine not exceeding Three hundred fifty thousand pesos (P350,000.00) if the 
animal subjected to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect survives but is severely injured 
with loss of its natural faculty to survive on its own and needing human intervention 
to sustain its life; and 
3. Imprisonment of three (3) years and six (6) months and one (1) day to six (6) years 
and/or a fine not exceeding Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00) for 
subjecting any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect but without causing its death 
or incapacitating it to survive on its own 
  
CHAPTER XI 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
 
Sec. 46. 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 the enforcement process. 
The Fund shall be derived from fines imposed and damages awarded pursuant to violations 
of this Act, fees charged for permits, registrations, 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. 47. 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. 48. Emergency Response. - The Bureau shall create and implement, in 
collaboration with the LGUs 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 is 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. 49. 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 
regulationsas may be hereinafter issued. For wildlife, the same shall be referred to the DENR-
BMB or their nearest regional offices. 


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Sec. 50. Role of Local Government Units and other government agencies. - 
LGUs 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 neutering 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. 51. Construction of the Law. - This Act shall be liberally construed in favor of 
the promotion and protection of the welfare of the animals. 
 
 
Sec. 52. Transition. - During the transition within one (1) 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. 53. 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. 54. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules, and regulations inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
 
Sec. 55. 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,