Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 4242 _

Introduced by Representative KATRINA REIKO CHUA - TAL
1 District, Zamboanga City

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Filipinos share a strong bond with animals. Pets offer companionship, security, and
emotional support, benefiting children, the elderly, and those with conditions like PTSD
and autism. Over 9 million Filipino households have pets. This trend is seen in expanding
animal welfare movements and related services. However, neglected or unhealthy
animals cannot effectively fulfill their roles, highlighting the need for proper care and
support systems.

In response to this growing need, the government enacted Republic Act No. 8485, also
known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. This law establishes guidelines for the
humane treatment of animals and outlines penalties for animal abuse. Still, there are not
enough animal shelters in the country.

Despite the existence of the Animal Welfare Act, many stray, abandoned, and abused
animals in the Philippines continue to lack adequate care and protection, creating risks
not only for the animals themselves but also for public safety and health. Stray animals
are frequently involved in road accidents, as reported by the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA), with the issue being particularly severe in rural areas
such as Central Luzon and Mindanao. In these regions, both stray animals and roaming
livestock contribute to vehicular accidents, especially at night when visibility is low.

Beyond traffic hazards, stray animals also pose serious public health concerns. Without
access to proper veterinary care and vaccination, these animals can transmit rabies,
parasites, and other zoonotic diseases to humans. The lack of coordinated animal control
measures and sufficient public health interventions further exacerbates these risks.

To address these ongoing issues, this measure proposes amending Republic Act No. 8485
to require the establishment of at least one animal shelter in every city and muni ity.
These shelters will protect rescued animals, provide basic veterinary care, and aid in their
rehabilitation. They will also teach the community about responsible pet ownership,
adoption, and animal welfare.



The establishment of a nationwide network of animal shelters will:

+ Strengthen our Country’s Commitment to our ongoing Road Safety Action Plan
2023-2028;

+ Enhance public safety by reducing road accidents caused by stray animals;
+ Promote public health through controlled vaccination and parasite management;

+ Support mental and emotional well-being by ensuring access to healthy and
rehabilitated animals for companionship and therapy; and

* Uphold the humane treatment of animals, in line with
international best practices.

ilipino cultural values and

The immediate passage of this bill is essential. Act now to protect animals, safeguard
communities, and uphold the values we share.

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

REIKO CHUA- TAI


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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4242

Introduced by Representative KATRINA REIKO CHUA- TAL
1 District, Zamboanga City

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING PHILIPPINE ROAD SAFETY ACTION PLAN FOR 2023-2028 BY
ESTABLISHING ANIMAL SHELTERS IN EACH CITY OR MUNICIPALITY,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 8485, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. A new section shall be added after Section 5 of Republic Act No. 8485,
otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998” as follows:

Section 6. Every city and municipality shall establish and maintain at least one (1)
animal shelter to provide basic care and vaccination services for domesticated animals
owned by residents within the locality.

Each animal shelter shall have a licensed veterinarian assigned to conduct animal care
and health consultations no less than twice (2) per week.

For purposes of this Act, basic care shall include, but not be limited to: nutritional
assessment, food intake consultation, emergency medical care, pain management,

parasite control, population well-being monitoring, and disease response.

Vaccination services shall include, but not be limited to: anti-rabies immunization and
deworming programs

The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), in
coordination with local government units (LGUs), shall formulate the implementing

rules and regulations necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2. All succeeding sections shall be renumbered accordingly.

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SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within ninety (90) days after
the approval of this Act, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination
with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Department of Health (DOH) shall prepare
and issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is
held invalid, all other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, issuances, rules and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

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