Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Maria Rachel J. Arenas 
THE REVISED ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES CREATING FOR 
THE PURPOSE THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU UNDER THE DEPARTMENT 
OF AGRICULTURE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE AND STRENGTHEN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND GOVERN ITS OPERATION AND 
ITS ENFORCEMENT. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to repeal Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by RA.10631 by 
strengthening the provisions of law relating to animal welfare and by likewise creating the 
Animal Welfare Bureau, attached agency with the Department of Agriculture. 
For the past years, there has been an increase in the consciousness of the Filipino people 
on the welfare of animals resulting in a massive surge of establishments catering to animals - 
from veterinary clinics and hospitals, grooming, pet hotels and pet cafes, pet friendly 
establishments, among others. The current structure of the Bureau of Animal Industry however, 
has shown weaknesses in responding to and in addressing the growing welfare issues and 
concerns affecting the animals. As a regulatory body for animal welfare under RA 8485 as 
amended, compliance monitoring has become a burden due to lack of dedicated and trained 
manpower and facilities. Implementation of the law has likewise been severely lacking as a result 
of the weak cooperation from the LGUS.  
This Bill aims to strengthen and fortify animal welfare standards, policies, rules and 
regulation by improving the system of program implementation, monitoring and supervision 
including adjudication and response to violations. Penalties have also been defined and detailed 
to deter individuals from violating the law.  
May 15, 2023
8:18 am
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It is our hope that through the passage of this bill, animal welfare rules and regulations 
would be more effective as we build a society that not only respects the rights of people but also 
penalizes the ill-treatment of animals. After all, we serve as the voice for the voiceless animals 
that plays an important role and contribution to human welfare.   
 
 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 Representative 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     3rd District of the Province of Pangasinan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Maria Rachel J. Arenas 
THE REVISED ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES CREATING FOR 
THE PURPOSE THE ANIMAL WELFARE BUREAU UNDER THE DEPARTMENT 
OF AGRICULTURE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE AND STRENGTHEN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND GOVERN ITS OPERATION AND 
ITS ENFORCEMENT. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and 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 “Revised Animal Welfare Act of 2019”. 
Sec.2. Declaration of Policy. – As proven by modern science, animals are sentient beings, 
capable of experiencing pleasurable states, like joy, and aversive states, like pain and fear. 
Consequently, it shall be the policy of the state to protect and promote the good 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 thirst, hunger and malnutrition; (2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
(3) Freedom from injury and disease; (4) Freedom to express normal behaviours; 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: 
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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. 
 
 
Sec. 4. Objectives - The State shall promote the welfare of all animals by establishing rules, 
regulations, guidelines and standards and endeavour 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, 
slaughter houses, 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; 
To create an agency and establish an organizational structure that will effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant to it; 
h. To promote public awareness and concern for caring for animals and its 
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; 


e. Consider the five basic freedom 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 behavioural pattern; and (5) Freedom 
from fear and distress 
f. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when 
necessary, provided a humane death. 
 
 
Sec. 5. Definitions. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
 
a. Animal - refers to domesticated vertebrate and invertebrate species under the control of 
man, which may be food producing, companion, labor, aquatic or laboratory including 
birds. The term excludes human and non-mammalian species. 
b. Animal welfare – pertains to the physical and psychological wellbeing 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 behaviour. 
c. 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. 
d. 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. 
e. Animal welfare enforcement officer – refers to Philippine National Police, National 
Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, citizens’ groups, 
community organizations and other volunteer members of NGOs, Peoples organizations 
designated as such enforcement officers by the Bureau. 
f. Board - refers to the Animal Welfare Board 
g. Bureau – refers to the Animal Welfare Bureau 
h. 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, 
sea or ocean facility and the like. 
i. Director – refers to the individual in charge of the Animal Welfare Bureau  
j. Euthanasia. - refers to the Bureau approved process or method of painless death to 
animals 
k. Keeper – refers to any person who owns, possesses, or has control or custody over an 
animal. 
l. Local Government Unit (LGU) – refers to the Province, City or Municipalities 
m. 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, cat, fishes, rabbits, rodents,  
reptiles 
and 


birds that are either acquired locally or through importation under  
government 
rules and regulations. 
n. Person – refers to any individual, corporation, company, business, enterprise, 
association, partnership, syndicate, trust, or other entity. 
o. Reporter – refers to any person who reports a suspected violation of any provision of this 
Act to the proper authorities. 
p. Secretary – refers to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. 
q. 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. 
r.  Transport Facility- Any transportation public or private, whether air, water, land 
including tricycles and the like used to transport animals to a particular destination. 
s. 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. 
 
 
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 – The Animal Welfare Bureau is hereby created attached 
to the Department of Agriculture. As a government agency, it shall be primarily responsible for 
overseeing, supervising, regulating, enforcing, protecting, implementing and promoting the good 
welfare of all animals and shall serve as the controlling authority on all matters relating to animal 
welfare. It shall also supervise and regulate the establishment and operation of all animal facilities 
and transport of all animals, as well as ensure the prevention of any form of cruelty, maltreatment, 
torture, exploitation, and neglect of the animals. 
 
 
The Animal Welfare Bureau shall issue animal welfare policies, standards rules and 
regulations and ensure the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare regulations, 
programs and standards through interagency coordination, programs and agreements. They shall 
be authorized to issue fines and penalties for violation of this Act and to institute seizure 
proceedings.  
 
 
Sec. 8. Composition of the Animal Welfare Bureau - The Bureau shall be headed by a 
Director who shall be appointed by the President as well as a Deputy Director. Each Divisions of 
the Bureau shall have a Division Head.  
 
 
The staffing pattern may initially be based on the following Divisions.  
 
 
 
The Director shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the 
Bureau. He/she must possess adequate knowledge, training and experience in the field of 
veterinary science and/or veterinary medicine. The Deputy Director shall be a permanent position 
shall assist the Director in the administration, operation and financial management of the Bureau.  
 
 
The Bureau shall initially consist of the following Divisions: 


 
 
1. Administration and Human Resources  
 
2. Policy and Planning 
 
3. Advocacy, Training and Communication 
 
4. Inspection  
 
5. Legal and Enforcement  
 
6. Adjudication   
 
7. Finance and Accounting  
 
 
The Bureau may re-organize and expand its Divisions in the future to effectively and fully 
implement the provisions of this act.  
 
 
Sec. 8.  Personnel and Staffing Pattern- Notwithstanding the provisions of existing laws, 
the Secretary shall require the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, as an interim Director of 
the Bureau to submit within 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 which shall include the functions of each of 
the named divisions. The BAI shall recommend the duties and responsibilities of the Divisions.  
 
  
 
Sec. 9.  Powers and Duties of the Animal Welfare Bureau – 
 
The Animal Welfare Bureau shall have the following powers and duties: 
1. To establish a system for the effective implementation of this Act; 
2. To formulate, adopt, and issue policies, guidelines, standards, rules, and 
regulations as part of a system for the effective implementation of this Act; 
3.  To provide detailed regulations and 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. 
4. To create, in consultation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land 
Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Civil Aeronautics 
Board (CAB), the Maritime Industry (MARINA), other transport regulating 
body or agencies, experts, and animal welfare groups, species-specific 
standards 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 the 
species of the animal being transported, as well as its specific needs, size, 
behaviour, and nature; 
4. To establish an emergency animal response and rescue system and 
mechanism to appropriately respond in cases of calamities such as but not 
limited to floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters; 


5. To promulgate standards and guidelines for humane slaughter of farm 
animals in coordination and consultation with the National Meat Inspection 
Service,  the Local Government Units and other relevant government agencies; 
7. To stop, inspect vehicles or any transport system used to transport animals 
and to order the closure, stoppage of operation of any transport facility violating 
the provisions of this act, its implementing rules and regulations, and other 
regulations and standards issued for the strict implementation of this act; 
8. To establish a system and regulations for the inspection of animal facilities, 
and to inspect such animal facilities to ensure compliance with animal welfare 
standards and regulations; 
10. To delegate certain powers and functions to the local government units, to 
the Regional, City and Provincial Animal Welfare Officers relevant and 
necessary for purposes of effectively implementing animal welfare policies, 
guidelines, programs and standards; 
11. To monitor compliance by the local government units of the animal welfare 
programs, standards, rules and regulations; 
12. To ensure proper coordination and tie ups with non-government 
organizations, people’s organizations and the academe for the strict 
implementation of the rules and regulations issued; 
13. To formulate guidelines and qualifications related to research and testing 
on animals, ensuring that use of animals in research and testing is only 
undertaken as a last resort. 
14.To supervise and monitor the implementation of this Act and to ensure strict 
compliance. 
15. To deputize personnel from regional field units, local government units, 
non-government 
organizations, 
people’s 
organizations, 
community 
organizations and certain veterinary professionals to assist in the 
implementation of this Act. 
16. To exercise administrative adjudication, confiscation, and forfeiture 
powers, including the power to cite in contempt, in all cases of violations of 
this Act; 
17. To impose, collect, and enforce administrative sanctions such as  
(a) payment of fines,  
(b) the suspension or cancellation of existing permits or certifications   
(c) disqualification for future permits,  
(d) the closure of animal facilities, and/or  


(e) the confiscation and forfeiture of all animals, including products, 
and all paraphernalia, tools, implements and conveyances used in 
connection with the commission of the violation, and to dispose of the 
same in accordance with pertinent laws, regulations or policies on the 
matter. 
18. To issue appropriate adjudication procedures, rules, and regulations. 
19. To establish and maintain a database surveillance and management 
information system on animal welfare in the Philippines. 
20. To operate the Animal Welfare Fund, including collecting monies paid into 
it and utilizing monies in the account for animal welfare programs. 
21. 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. 
22. To keep records and documents pertaining to animal welfare in the country 
as well as the maintenance of surveillance and management information system 
on the animal welfare; 
23. To create and maintain a web-based registry accessible to the public of all 
the animal facilities in the country, whether public or private, which registry 
includes all collected information on each animal facility, including sanctions; 
24. To create a system and guidelines for the determination of 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; 
25. 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. 
26. To conduct regular as well as random inspections to ensure that the 
continuing qualifications for the release and renewal of the issued 
certifications, authorizations and permits are duly complied with and to impose 
necessary sanctions in case of non-compliance; 
27. To perform adjudicatory function relating to animal welfare issues, cases 
and violations; 


27. To create, establish and implement a national program on rewards and 
incentives for Most Animal Welfare Friendly Region, Province, City and 
Municipality; 
28. To issue other permits or certificates that it may deem necessary from time 
to time 
29. To utilize such other powers and perform such other duties and 
responsibilities which are necessarily to achieve the purposes of this Act. 
 
CHAPTER III 
THE ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD 
 
 
Sec. 11. The Animal Welfare Board - There is hereby created an Animal Welfare Board 
under the Animal Welfare Bureau which shall perform as the consultative committee to assist in 
the formulation of various animal welfare policies and guidelines, rules and regulations, standards 
as well as the development of welfare programs. It shall act as an advisor to the Bureau on all 
matters relating to the animal welfare programs, standards and practices.  
 
 
Sec. 12. Composition of the Board - The Animal Welfare Board shall be composed as 
follows: 
  
(1) Ex Officio Members - One representative from each of the following:  
 
 
 
(a) Department of Agriculture 
 
 
(b) Animal Welfare Bureau 
(c) Bureau of Animal Industry  
(d) Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR); 
 
 
(e) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); 
 
 
(f)  Bureau of Fisheries 
 
 
(g) National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the DA;     
 
 
(h)  Provincial, City, Municipal Veterinary League Association 
 
 
(i)   Department of Education 
 
 
(1) Appointive Members -   
 
 
 
(a) Four (4) representatives from different nationally-recognized animal 
welfare 
 
 
organizations with proven track records on animal welfare and with established  
 
 
programs. 
 
 
(b) One (1) representative from a nationally-recognized Veterinary   
 
 
 
Professional Association  
 
 
(c) One Representative each from the Poultry, Livestock, Fisheries   
 
 
 
association 
 
 
(d) The Secretary may appoint additional members as it may deem   
 
 
 
necessary to ensure adequate representation of various stakeholders upon   


 
 
recommendation of the Board and the Bureau 
 
 
 
Sec. 13.  Chairman of the Board - The Animal Welfare Board shall be chaired by the 
Director of the Bureau or his/her duly designated representative. The Bureau shall also act as the 
Secretariat and shall be responsible in calling the meetings and sending notices for such meetings. 
The secretariat shall also be responsible in records keeping and ensuring correct transcription of 
minutes of meetings. 
 
 
Sec. 14. Meetings, Quorum, Per Diems - The Board shall meet at least quarterly, or more 
often should the need arise. Nine members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, which shall be 
necessary for voting on any matters before the Board.  The Board members shall not receive any 
compensation but may receive honoraria from time to time the amount of which of which shall be 
decided by the Board; 
 
 
Sec. 15. Appointment by the Secretary -Except for the identified Government agencies, 
the other institutional members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the 
endorsement of the Chief of the Bureau pursuant to the application or as nominated by their 
respective agencies/sectors. Each appointive member shall have a term of service of two (2) years  
subject to renewal or unless earlier removed for just cause pursuant to the rules on the matter 
subject to the assessment of the  Animal Welfare Board. 
 
 
The procedure for removal and replacement, as well as enforceable disciplinary actions of 
members of the Board shall be established in the internal rules and regulations of the Board. All 
policies and guidelines shall be approved by the Board including its internal rules and regulations.  
 
CHAPTER IV 
ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND UNITS 
 
Sec. 16. Regional, Provincial, City, Municipal, Animal Welfare Officers - A Regional Animal 
Welfare Officer shall be appointed by the Secretary for each Region upon the recommendation 
of the Director from the associated regional offices of the Department of Agriculture.  This 
Regional Animal Welfare Officer shall be responsible for implementing animal welfare 
programs in the region and shall report any issues and concerns directly to the Bureau. Each 
Regional Animal Welfare Officer must possess the following minimum qualifications: 
 
1. Veterinarian with minimum 2 years of experience of veterinary practice or an 
animal 
 
husbandry graduate; 
2. Has undergone relevant training on animal welfare and related trainings  involving 
enforcement. 
 
 
 


 
 
Provinces and cities shall also assign their respective Animal Welfare Officers and 
necessary technical support staff from the Provincial/ City Veterinary Offices to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act. Municipalities shall likewise appoint an Animal Welfare 
Officer within its Municipal Agriculture office;  
 
The Board may add other qualifications as it may deem appropriate to best serve the 
purposes of this Act. 
 
Section 17.  Barangay Animal Welfare Unit -  Each Barangay shall hereby be mandated 
to establish a Barangay Animal Welfare Unit similar to the Barangay Animal Health Worker. The 
BAWU shall be responsible in the local implementation of  animal health, vaccination programs, 
animal welfare education, spay and neuter as well as stray population control, in partnership with 
the Provincial, City Veterinary Office or in the case of Municipalities, the Municipal Agrarian 
Officer or Veterinary Officer when present;  
 
Sec. 18. Deputation 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 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, 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 
 
2. mechanism for the supervision, monitoring and reporting of these enforcement officers;    
 
CHAPTER V 
BASIC ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING GUIDELINES  
 
 
Sec. 18. 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 shelter for the 
animals depending on the kind, nature and special needs thereof. 
 
 
Sec. 19. 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. 
 
 
Sec. 20. Provision of Veterinary Medical Care for Sick, compromised or Injured Animal. 
– 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 licensed veterinarian. 
 
 
Sec 21. Provision of appropriate transport facility- Transport facilities for animals must 
be constructed, provisioned, and utilized in such a way so 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 comfort and 
safety of the animal appropriate to its nature and size.     
 
 
Sec. 22. Provision of opportunity for animals to express natural behaviours including  
play, provision of enrichment activities and exercise- Any keeper of an animal must provide such 
animal regular opportunities to express species-specific natural behaviours, 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 
an time line in improving farm facilities to comply with the provisions hereof; 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 
PROHIBITED ACTS 
 
 
Sec. 23. Prohibition on Cruelty, Maltreatment, abuse and exploitation of Animals. – 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 
 
 
 
The Bureau may further define or declare other acts that it may consider or deem to 
constitute as animal cruelty;  
 
 
 
Sec. 24. 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 Sections 18-23.  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.  
 
 
Sec. 25. Prohibition on Killing of Animals.  – It shall be unlawful for any person to kill 
any animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabao, horse.  The killing of 
pets and animals not declared as food animals for human consumption, or cause or procure 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 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 32;  
 
 
(7) Humane slaughter of a farm animal, in accordance with Section 33(d). 
 


 
(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. For this purpose, humane procedures 
shall mean the use of the most scientific methods available as may be determined by the Bureau. 
 
 
Sec. 26. 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 not 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:  
 
(a) cause, procure, permit, encourage, promote, organise, 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. 
 
(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. 
 
Section. 27. Prohibition on Dog Meat Trading- It shall be unlawful for any person to 
engage in the trade of dogs including 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. 28. Prohibition on Abandonment- It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an animal, 
whether temporary or permanent to abandon such animal. 
 
 
Sec. 29. Prohibition on ear cropping, tail docking, de-vocalization, declawing- The 
conduct of ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization, de-clawing, 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. 30. Operating an animal facility without Permit/Certification- Operating any facility 
without necessary permit or certification from the Bureau is hereby prohibited.  
 
 
CHAPTER VII 
ENFORCEMENT 
 
 
Sec. 31. In General – The Bureau, either independently, or in cooperation with local 
government units, the registered NGOs, Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers and 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. 32. 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. 33. 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 filing of criminal charges shall be as prescribed by the rules of criminal procedure 
contained in the Rules of Court.   
 
Sec. 34. Seizure of Effects – Any items so seized including animals, pursuant to arrests 
made for violation of any provision of this Code shall be held by any person, facility, organization, 
authorized by the Bureau, including the local government units, 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 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 us photographing for purposes of preserving evidence. 
 
Sec. 35. 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, 
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 owner of facility. Except in case 
where there is an imminent danger to the life of the animal, diligent effort to contact 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. 36. 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 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 a dismissal 
of the case against the respondent.   
 
 
A protection order may be sought by any concerned citizen, deputized animal welfare 
officer, law enforcement officers, 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 are or were 
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 respondent and his or her family or household member  
at 
a 
distance specified in the protection order or a minimum of 50 meters; 
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; 
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 a multiple violation under this Act and shall be penalized accordingly. 
 
Sec. 37. 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 Court. 
Sec. 38. 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 is 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. 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 disputable 
presumption of the killing and/or destruction of the habitat of the animal involved; 
 


 
CHAPTER VIII 
ADJUDICATION AND AUTHORITY TO  
IMPOSE ADMINITRATIVE FINES & PENALTIES 
 
 
Sec 39. Authority to adjudicate and administer administrative penalties. – The  Bureau 
or their respective authorized representatives are authorized to exercise administrative adjudication 
confiscation and forfeiture powers, including the power to cite in contempt, in all cases of 
violations of this Act and may impose administrative sanctions such as payment of fines, and/or 
order the suspension or cancellation of existing permits, certifications  and disqualification for 
future permits, the closure of facilities, and/or the confiscation and forfeiture of all animals 
including products, and all paraphernalia, tools, implements   and conveyances used in connection 
with the commission of the violation, and to dispose of the same in accordance with pertinent laws, 
regulations or policies on the matter. The Bureau or their authorized representatives may, after due 
notice and hearing, cancel or suspend permits, clearances, agreements and/or certificates due to 
violation of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, and/or the terms of the permits, 
agreements or certificates. The Bureau upon approval of the Secretary shall issue appropriate 
adjudication procedures, rule and regulations. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
PERMITS, CERTIFICATES AND AUTHORITY TO  
COLLECT FEES AND CHARGES  
 
 
Sec. 40. 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 
10 dogs or cats 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 
 
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, or standards or other just causes. 
 
 
Sec. 41.  Mayor's Permit Requirement. - No LGU shall issue Mayor's or business permit 
to any person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or government agency or 
instrumentality without the presentation of 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 X 
OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE PROVISIONS 
 
 
Sec. 42. Use of Animals for Show, Media, TV, Movies or Entertainment. – 
Promoters/organizers of animals show, media or entertainment, shall obtain 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. All other provision 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 43. 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 behaviour.  Working animals should not be allowed to work under circumstances where its 
health and safety will be at risk. Overworking of animals is hereby prohibited. Water and 
appropriate shelter protecting the same from extreme weather condition must be provided.  
 
 
Sec 44. 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 and welfare guidelines 
established. Certification guidelines and standards for accreditation of dogs shall be established by 
the Bureau in consultation with relevant agencies and concerned groups.  Service dog / Guide dog 
shall be defined accordingly.  
 
 
Sec. 45. 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 a written authorization from the Bureau upon compliance with such 
guidelines and qualifications necessary to obtain such authority.  
 
 
 


 
 
Sec. 46. Transportation of 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 such animal, including but not limited to 
overcrowding, lack of adequate ventilation 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 fail 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 animal from extreme temperatures, with journeys  
limited to a 
duration as prescribed by the Bureau depending on the specie, 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 floor space 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 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 
immediate exchange of money, goods, or services takes place and instead includes, in 
particular, transport which directly or indirectly involves or aims at a financial gain. 
 
c. No person shall transport an animal fewer than eight weeks old, a pregnant female who 
has passed through 90% of her expected gestational period, a female who has given birth 
in the past seven 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; 
 
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. 47. 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 extreme cold climates shall be prohibited unless 
specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Bureau upon submission of approved care 
and sustainability program or plan. 
 
 
Sec. 48. Spay and Neuter and Vaccination of Stray Cats and Dogs- The Local 
Government Units 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. 49. Communication, Education and other Public Awareness campaigns- The 
Bureau together with other agencies, NGO’s and stakeholders shall implement programs towards 
increasing awareness on animal welfare through education and various information awareness 
activities and programs.   
CHAPTER XI 
APPROPRIATION 
 
 
Sec. 50. Appropriation – The initial funding to establish the Bureau shall be taking from 
the General Appropriations of the Department of Agriculture to the extent of the amount of 
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 XII 
PENALTIES  
 
 
Sec. 51. Penalties  
 
 
a. Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, torture, maltreatment or any of the 
prohibited acts herein shall be punished with a minimum imprisonment of 1 year and 6 months to 
a maximum of three years and/or a minimum fine of P30,000 but not exceeding P100,000 pesos 
as maximum. 
 
 
b. Abandonment of animal shall be punished by a penalty of 6 months to one year and /or 
a fine not exceeding P10,000.  
 


 
If the animal is left in circumstances likely to cause the animal unnecessary suffering or if 
this abandonment results in the death or injury of the animal, the person liable shall suffer the 
maximum penalty.  
 
 
c. Operating an animal facility including any animal transport facility, without the required 
permit shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of 6 months to a maximum of 1 year 
and/or fine not exceeding 10,000 or both such fine and imprisonment without prejudice to the 
administrative liability of the owner/operator.  
 
 
d. Failure to obtain the required permits to use animals for show, entertainment, or any 
form of media, or use animals for research and /or scientific education experiment like shall be 
punished with a minimum imprisonment of 6 months to maximum of 1 year and 6 months and/ or 
fine not exceeding 30,000.  
 
 
e. If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the offender responsible thereof shall 
serve the imprisonment. 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 and one day to three years and/or a fine of not exceeding Two 
Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos  (P250,000.00) shall be imposed if the offense involves any of the 
following circumstances: 
 
 
 
i. committed by a syndicate involving a group of three or more individuals; 
 
 
ii. committed by an offender who makes business out of cruelty to animal; 
 
 
iii. committed by a public officer or employee; or 
 
 
iv. 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. The maximum applicable penalty shall be imposed upon a person who, at the time of his 
or her trial for a violation of this Act, shall have been previously convicted by final judgment of 
the same or another violation of this Act.  
 
 
i. Any person found guilty of dog meat trading shall be fined not less than Five Thousand 
Pesos per dog and subjected to imprisonment for one year to four years.  
 
 
j. Violation of any other provisions of this code shall be penalized by  minimum 
imprisonment of  three (3) months to a maximum of 1 year and/or fine not exceeding 5,000 or both 
such fine and imprisonment;  
 
k. The liability of any person herein is without prejudice to his/her liability for any other 
offenses under another law including administrative.  


l. Any person who has been habitually convicted of a violation of this Act 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; 
m. The Court in its discretion may, in lieu of service in jail, require that penalties imposed 
less than one year 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 will 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.  
 
CHAPTER XIII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
 
Sec. 51. 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. 52. 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. 53.  Emergency Response —The Bureau shall create and implement, in collaboration 
with the local government units 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 are 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. 54. 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 regulations as may be 
hereinafter be issued.  For wildlife, the same shall be referred to the DENR-BMB or their nearest 
regional offices. 
 
Sec. 55. Role of Local Government Units and other government agencies. –Local 
government units 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 neuter 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. 56. Construction of the law- This Act shall be liberally construed in favor of the 
promotion and protection of the welfare of the animals.  
 
Sec. 57. Transition – During the transition within one 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. 58. 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. 59. Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
 
Sec. 60. 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.