Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10232 
Introduced by Representative Raul Angelo “Jil” D. Bongalon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to repeal Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by RA No. 
10631 and pursues to address the urgent need to strengthen animal welfare 
standards by strengthening the provisions of the law, by likewise creating the 
Animal Welfare Bureau, an attached agency with the Department of 
Agriculture, and imposing stricter penalties for violations, particularly in cases 
of animal cruelty. 
The Animal Welfare Act, as amended, serves as the cornerstone of 
legislation aimed at protecting the welfare of animals in the Philippines. 
However, in light of evolving societal values and growing awareness of animal 
rights issues, it has become evident that certain provisions of the Act have 
proven inadequate in effectively deterring acts of cruelty towards animals and 
ensuring the proper enforcement of animal welfare standards. 
In considering the necessity to repeal current animal welfare legislation, it 
is essential to recognize the profound moral and ethical implications of animal 
cruelty. Animals, like humans, are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, 
suffering, and emotional distress. As such, they deserve to be treated with 
compassion, dignity, and respect. By allowing acts of cruelty towards animals to 
go unpunished or inadequately penalized, we not only perpetuate a cycle of 
violence and injustice but also undermine the fundamental principles of 
compassion and empathy that are inherent to our humanity.  Moreover, 
March 21, 2024
4:07 pm


strengthening animal welfare standards and imposing stricter penalties for 
violations are essential components of our duty as legislators to uphold the 
principles of justice, fairness, and equality under the law. It is incumbent upon 
us to ensure that the laws of our land reflect the values and aspirations of our 
society, including our collective commitment to the protection and welfare of 
animals. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is 
earnestly requested. 
RAUL ANGELO “JIL” D. BONGALON 
Representative 
Ako Bicol Partylist 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10232
Introduced by Representative Raul Angelo “Jil” D. Bongalon 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS IN THE 
PHILIPPINES, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE ANIMAL 
WELFARE 
BUREAU 
UNDER 
THE 
DEPARTMENT 
OF 
AGRICULTURE, 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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "The Revised Animal Welfare 
Act”. 
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 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. 
 
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 create an agency and establish an organizational structure that will 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act and all laws relevant 
to it; 
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  30 the promotion and protection of animal welfare; 
and 


 
 
 
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; 
d. Conservation and management of animal populations should be 
humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent; 
e. 
Protection of animal habitat is an animal welfare consideration; 
f. 
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 behavioral pattern; and (5) Freedom from fear and distress 
g. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their 
lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death. 
 
Sec. 6. 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 
behavior; 
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 
volunteers and members of NGOs, and 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 Provinces, Cities 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 


 
 
 
r. 
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; 
s. 
Transport Facility- Any transportation public or private, whether air, 
water, land including tricycles and the like used to transport animals 
to a particular destination; 
t. 
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. The Bureau shall be authorized to issue 
fines and penalties for violation of this Act and 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 Division of the Bureau shall have a Division Head. 
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, and the staffing pattern may initially be 
based on, 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Authority 
(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, 
behavior, and nature; 
5. 
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; 


 
 
 
6. 
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; 
9. 
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; 
10. To monitor compliance by the local government units of the animal 
welfare programs, standards, rules and regulations; 
11. 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; 
12. 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; 
13. To supervise and monitor the implementation of this Act and to ensure 
strict compliance; 
14. 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; 
15. To exercise administrative adjudication, confiscation, and forfeiture 
powers, including the power to cite in contempt, in all cases of 
violations of this Act; 
16. 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. 
 
17. To issue appropriate adjudication procedures, rules, and regulations; 
18. To establish and maintain a database surveillance and management 
information system on animal welfare in the Philippines; 
19. To operate the Animal Welfare Fund, including collecting monies 
paid into it and utilizing monies in the account for animal welfare 
programs; 
20. 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; 
21. 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; 
22. To create and maintain a web-based registry accessible to the public of 
all the animal facilities in the country, whether public oi private, 
which registry includes all collected information on each animal 
facility, including sanctions; 
23. 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; 
24. 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; 
25. 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; 
26. 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 necessary 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. 
2. 
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 (BAWU) 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 (NBl) and other law 
enforcement agencies shall designate animal welfare enforcement officers who 
shall assist in the implementation of this Act. 
ln 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. 19. 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. 20. 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 behavior and locomotion. 
 
Sec. 21. 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 behavioral 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. 22. Provision of appropriate transport facility- Transport facilities for 
animals must be constructed, provisioned, and utilized in such a way 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. 23. 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 time line in improving farm facilities to comply with the provisions 
hereof. 
 
CHAPTER VI 


 
 
 
PROHIBITED ACTS 
 
Sec. 24. 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. 25. 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. 26. Prohibition on Killing of Animals. - It shall be unlawful for any person to 
kill any animal 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. 
 
ln all of the above-mentioned cases, the killing shall at all times be done 
only through euthanasia or other humane procedures approved by the Bureau. 
For this purpose, humane procedures shall mean the use of the most scientific 
methods available as may be determined by the Bureau. 
 
Sec. 27. 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 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. 
ln 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, 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; 
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. 
Sec. 28. Prohibition on Dog Meat Trading- It shall be unlawful for any person to 
engage in the trade of dogs for their meat for 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. 29. Prohibition on Abandonment- It shall be unlawful for any keeper of an 
animal, whether temporary or permanent to abandon such animal. 
Sec. 30. 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. 31. 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. 32. ln 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. 33. 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. 34. 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. 35. 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. 36. 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. 37. 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. 38. 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. 39. 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 ADMINISTRATIVE 
FINES & PENALTIES 
 
Sec. 40. 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. 41. 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, 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. 42. 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. 43. 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 list 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 
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 44. 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 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 45. 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. 46. 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. 47. 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. 48. 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: 
 
1. Ensure that such animal is fit to travel and checked 
regularly during the voyage, at least once every six hours; 
2. 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; 
3. Ensure that vehicle loading and unloading facilities are 
constructed and maintained to avoid injury and suffering; 
4. Provide sufficient floor space and height allowance so as 
to allow such animal to lie down, stand up, fully stretch its 
limbs, and tum around freely without any impediment; and 


 
 
 
5. 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. 49. 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. 50. 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 program$ 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. 51. 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 IX 
APPROPRIATION 
 
Sec. 52. Appropriation - The initial funding to establish the Bureau shall be 
taken from the General Appropriations of the Department of Agriculture 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. 53. 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 Php 30,000 but not exceeding Php 100,000 
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 Php 10,000; 
 
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 Php 10,000 or both such fine and imprisonment without 
prejudice to the administrative liability of the owner/operator; 
 
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 Php 30,000; 
d. 
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; 
e. 
The penalty of two years and one day to three years and/or a fine of 
not exceeding Php 250,000.00 shall be imposed if the offense involves 
any of the following circumstances: 
 
1. committed by a syndicate involving a group of three or more 
individuals; 
2. committed by an offender who makes business out of 
cruelty to animal; 
3. committed by a public officer or employee; or 
4. where at least three animals are involved. 
 
ln any of the foregoing situations, the offender shall suffer 
subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency and the inability to pay 
the fine; 
f. 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; 
g. 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; 
h. 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; 
i. The liability of any person herein is without prejudice to his/her liability 
for any other offenses under another law including administrative; 
j. 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; 
k. 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. 54. 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. 55. Mandatory Animal Welfare Education - It shall be mandatory for all 
primary and secondary education schools, public and private to integrate in their 
curriculum and have activities on the following: 
 
a. 
the promotion and protection of the welfare of animals; 
b. 
responsible pet ownership; and 
c. 
concept of animal welfare. 
 
Sec. 56. 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. 57. 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. 58. 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. 59. Construction of the law- This Act shall be liberally construed in favor of 
the promotion and protection of the welfare of the animals. 
Sec. 60. 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. 61. 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. 62. Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
Sec. 63. 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,