QuestionsQuestions (BAI Administrative Circular 03, S. 2015)
It is issued under and in consideration of: (1) Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by Republic Act No. 10631 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended); and (2) Republic Act No. 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007), particularly the mandate for LGUs to control stray animals through local ordinances.
The Circular applies to all cities and 1st class municipalities mandated by law for the construction/renovation/establishment/operation/maintenance of animal pounds, and also applies to any province and municipality that already has a pound or deems it proper to establish and operate one.
The Circular requires observance of: (a) freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; (b) freedom from physical discomfort and pain; (c) freedom from injury and disease; (d) freedom to conform to essential behavior patterns; and (e) freedom from fear and distress.
An “Impounded Animal” is any stray animal seized by an animal control officer for keeping in an animal pound. A “Pound” is a public facility/enclosure for stray or confiscated animals to maintain temporary custody managed by LGUs.
The administrative office must serve as a control center with direct access to both the reception area and animal cages/enclosures. The primary enclosure must separate cats and dogs (ideally individual cages), be structurally sound, safe, and prevent injuries and contact between animals.
Holding cages/stalls must provide enough space for each animal to feed, sleep, sit, stand, lie with limbs extended, stretch, and move about; cage kennels/cages must be enclosed (preferably at least 1.20m tall or using specified wire mesh dimensions) to prevent nose-to-nose contact and allow separation between cages to prevent contact; cages should be sufficient height for easy cleaning.
Cats: at least 0.46m x 0.61m x 0.61m. Medium breed dogs: 0.76m x 0.92m x 0.61m. Large breed dogs: 0.92m x 0.92m x 0.92m. Extra-large breed dogs: 1.22m x 0.92m x 1.22m (all Length x Width x Height).
Cage frames should be made of stainless steel for rust-free, long-lasting use. Hard plastic matting is required as flooring, with specified mat sizes (1ft x 2ft and 1ft x 3ft in the text).
The medical and euthanasia room must be adjacent to the isolation area to allow easy movement for disposal, with a separate entrance from outside and clear access for vehicles; it must also have separate ventilation. The Circular also requires at least one isolation area consisting of pens/cages for sick animals and rabies suspects, with quarantined animals individually kept.
The pound must be kept sanitary and cleaned/disinfected at least once daily; use disinfectants capable of eliminating animal viruses/bacteria without harming the animals’ paws/skin; clean and disinfect cages/pens before use by another animal; remove feces/excreta immediately; and ensure cleaning equipment/storage/disposal for waste to control vermin/insects and odors.
Clean drinking water must be provided at all times. Adult animals must be fed at least once daily; animals under six (6) months must be fed at least twice daily. Diet must be suitable (e.g., fish, meat, chicken, vegetables, cereals, etc.).
It must be examined and treated by a licensed veterinarian.
Impounded dogs not claimed after 3 days from the pound shall be placed for adoption to qualified persons with assistance of an animal welfare NGO, when feasible; otherwise they must be disposed of in a manner authorized by AO 13 series of 2010 as amended by AO 9 series of 2011 (Revised Rules and Regulations on the Euthanasia of Animals).
Impounding fees, fines, and others must follow the prevailing local ordinance implemented by the LGU. The amount of registration fee must also be defined and determined in a local ordinance for that purpose.
Pounds must maintain records of all impounded animals including: date, place of capture, animal description, and impounding notice.
Any dead animal must be immediately removed and disposed of within 24 hours after death, in compliance with the implementing rules of PD 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines).
Humane catching prohibits dragging, whipping, throwing, and unnecessary lifting/pulling by the neck, ears, or legs. Transportation must be in the shortest practicable time, in an enclosed well-ventilated pound vehicle with shade protection in hot weather, and in a structurally sound vehicle designed to prevent injury, unauthorized release, and maltreatment; vehicles must have non-slip floors and provisions for safe handling (e.g., carry baskets/compartments and ramps).
Adoption applies to impounded animals not claimed after 3 days; animals released through adoption must first be neutered by a licensed veterinarian, and adoption details must be in an adoption certificate. Unclaimed impounded animals not adopted must be disposed of via a manner authorized under AO 13 (2010) as amended by AO 9 (2011).
Barangays must be advised in writing by the LGU veterinary office of recently conducted stray animal control operations (posted on the barangay bulletin board). The pound must be open to the public during office hours, records must be accessible to the public, and the pound must be open 7 days a week; there is a 1-year transition period for effective implementation.
All pounds must be registered with the Animal Welfare Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry as stated in Section 2 of RA 8485. Violations of any provisions are penalized in accordance with RA 8485 as amended (RA 10631).