Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 21-99)
The two methods are euthanasia, which is inducing a painless death to pets, and slaughter, which is killing animals for food consumption after they are stunned.
Personnel performing either method should have technical competence, be under the supervision of a veterinarian, and be trained and accredited by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI); slaughter personnel should also be accredited by the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC).
Only licensed firearms shall be used; only sharpshooters, Philippine National Police members, and Gun Club members deputized by the BAI and authorized by the local government unit can perform this duty.
Intravenous/intraperitoneal injection of pentothal/thiamylal, sodium barbital, or other barbiturate overdoses; inhalant anesthetics; certain injections like magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride; and anesthetic sedative combinations such as tiletamine with zolazepam or ketamine with diazepam.
Intravenous injection of any barbiturate until the heart stops; firearms with no less than caliber .38 using non-expansive bullets aimed at specific targeted areas of the head; with restraints like head collar or bridle, and blindfolding restless animals, performed away from public view.
Loading, unloading, moving, and drafting shall be supervised by experienced handlers; livestock should be moved with minimum excitement; use natural following behavior; minimize contact instruments; proper lighting should encourage movement; animals with wide horns or lameness should not impede the flow; and race entrances and fences should be designed to promote smooth movement.
Sticks, metal pipes, clubs, pointed objects, and gates not designed for the purpose should not be used. Pig boards should not be used as moving implements; electric prods must be regulated and used cautiously.
They may be treated for proper condition for slaughter, slaughtered according to meat inspection authority requirements, or humanely destroyed if treatment is not desired. Those injured during transport causing severe suffering should be destroyed humanely without delay or emergency slaughter inspection if available.
All animals should be effectively stunned to render them immediately unconscious before sticking, except in cases where religious or ritual slaughter allows otherwise with proper approval. Stunning must be humane and prevent animals from regaining consciousness before slaughter.
Any person who violates the order shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than two years, or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000) nor more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000), or both. Aliens found guilty shall be deported immediately after serving the sentence.