Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI Administrative Circular 03, S. 2015)
The Circular applies to all cities and 1st class municipalities mandated by law for the construction, renovation, establishment, operation, and maintenance of animal pounds. It also applies to provinces and municipalities with existing pounds or those deemed proper to establish and operate them.
An impounded animal refers to any stray animal seized by an animal control officer for the purpose of keeping in an animal pound.
Local government units (LGUs) are mandated to have control over all stray animals through a local ordinance enacted for this purpose.
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; Cats: 0.46m x 0.61m x 0.61m.
The Basic Freedoms of Animals include freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; freedom from physical discomfort and pain; freedom from injury and disease; freedom to conform to essential behavior patterns; and freedom from fear and distress.
Such dogs shall be kept at the LGU designated pound. If not claimed after 3 days, they shall be placed for adoption with assistance from animal welfare NGOs. If adoption is not feasible, they shall be disposed of in a manner authorized by relevant Administrative Orders on euthanasia.
Animals must be transported in the shortest time possible, using enclosed and ventilated pound vehicles with overhead shade, non-slip floors, designed for safety and easy cleaning, and appropriate carry baskets or cages for animals of different sizes, with a ramp for natural disembarking.
Only licensed veterinarians or veterinary technicians who have been trained shall perform chemical capture using tranquilizers or anesthetics.
Violations of any provisions of this Circular shall be penalized in accordance with Republic Act 8485, as amended (Animal Welfare Act).
All pounds, as defined in the Circular, must be registered with the Animal Welfare Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry as stated in Section 2 of RA 8485.
Pounds shall be kept sanitary, cleaned, and disinfected at least once daily; feces and excreta shall be removed immediately; disinfectants used must eliminate viruses and bacteria without harming animals; cages and pens must be cleaned before use by another animal; and proper waste disposal methods must be employed.