QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8485)
To protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of facilities used for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating, or training animals (either as objects of trade or as household pets), including pet animals such as birds.
They must first secure a certificate of registration from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Proof that the facilities are adequate, clean and sanitary and will not be used for, nor cause pain and/or suffering to the animals.
It is valid for one (1) year and may be renewed from year to year upon compliance with the conditions imposed.
The Bureau may revoke or cancel the certificate of registration for failure to observe these conditions and other just causes.
The Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Assistance from any government agency consistent with its powers, duties, and responsibilities to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Act and its rules.
They must provide adequate, clean and sanitary facilities for safe conveyance and delivery, and sufficient food and water while in transit for more than twelve (12) hours or when necessary.
No. No public utility shall transport any such animal without a written permit from the Director of the BAI or an authorized representative.
No. Any cruelty is penalized even if the transporter has obtained a permit.
Cruelty includes overcrowding and placing animals in the trunks or under the hood trunks of the vehicles.
A Committee on Animal Welfare attached to the Department of Agriculture, responsible (subject to the Secretary’s approval) for issuing rules and regulations for strict implementation of the Act, including setting safety and sanitary standards.
Reviewed every three (3) years from implementation or whenever necessary.
Torturing any animal; neglecting to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter; maltreating any animal; subjecting dogs or horses to dogfights or horse fights; killing or causing/procuring torture or deprivation of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter; maltreating; or using animals in research/experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.
The killing of any animal other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer and crocodiles is unlawful except in listed instances such as: religious/tribal ritual with records kept; incurable communicable disease certified by a licensed veterinarian; euthanasia to end misery certified by a licensed veterinarian; preventing imminent danger to human life or limb; animal population control; killing after authorized research; or analogous grounds determined and certified by a licensed veterinarian.
In all cases, including those of the exempt species, killing must be done through humane procedures approved by the Committee; humane procedures mean use of the most scientific methods available as determined and approved by the Committee.
Upon conviction by final judgment: imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years, or a fine of not less than PHP 1,000 nor more than PHP 5,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
For juridical persons, the officer responsible shall serve the imprisonment when imposed. For aliens, the alien shall be immediately deported after service of sentence without any further proceedings.