NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
of ti;f *utnr»
23 MAY 29 R2:11
s. No. 2257
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ADOPTION OF STRAY AND IMPOUNDED ANIMALS
PROVIDING INCENTIVES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to a statement from PETA, animal homelessness has reached a 
crisis point in the Philippines. Countless dogs and cats struggle to survive on the 
streets, while hundreds are euthanized every month in municipal pounds. Strays and 
rescues that are not adopted or claimed at local pounds are often put down due to 
lack of space and resources.
In a data from the City Veterinary Department in Quezon City it was shown 
that its city pound captures an average of 200 stray animals per week or equivalent 
to about 9,600 homeless animals yearly. However, pet adoption rate is at less than 
one percent.
More often than not, impounded animals were constrained to undergo 
euthanasia as provided under Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 
09, series of 2011.
This bill seeks to encourage adoption of stray and impounded animals by 
providing the corresponding tax incentive benefits to any person or corporation who 
shall adopt stray and impounded animals in accordance with this Act. This bill seeks 
to reduce euthanasia for stray and impounded animals.
Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
C
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of tijc r.rtarjj
23 MAY 29 PI2.11
S. No.
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ADOPTION OF STRAY AND IMPOUNDED ANIMALS
PROVIDING INCENTIVES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the
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welfare of every animal, including stray and impounded pets, and ensure that their
3 
needs are adequately met. The State recognizes that the responsibility for the
4 
welfare of animals is not solely limited to the authorities. Thus, this law aims at
5 
promoting responsible pet adoption, providing stray and impounded animal proper
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protection.
7 
Sec. 2. Provision for Adoption. -
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a) All impounded and stray animals shall be given the opportunity for
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adoption.
10 
b) The local government units (LGU) shall develop and implement programs
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to promote and facilitate adoption of impounded and stray animals,
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including but not limited to the establishment of adoption centers, pet
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fairs, and incentives for adopters.
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c) Adoption of impounded and stray animals shall be considered as a tax
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incentive for a percentage of the real property tax of the adoptee.
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Sec. 3. Certificate of Adoption by LGUs. - LGUs shall issue certificate of
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adoption in accordance with the guidelines to be provided by the Bureau of Animal
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Industry for purposes of the tax incentive benefit stated in Sec. 2(c) of this Act.
1


1 
Sec 4. Provision for Corporations. -
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(a) Corporations that promote adoption of impounded and stray animals by
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their employees may apply for tax deduction on expenses incurred in
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compliance to this Act.
5 
(b) Corporations are encouraged to establish pet-friendly policies that promote
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responsible pet ownership, including but not limited to pet insurance, pet
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care services, and pet-friendly workspaces.
8 
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of
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Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of the Interior and Local
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Government, shall issue rules and regulations to implement this Act within six (6)
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months from its effectivity.
12 
Sec 6. Applicability. - This Act shall apply to all local government units and
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impounding facilities in the Philippines.
14 
Sec.7. Separability Cause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
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unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall not be affected.
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Sec. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,