QuestionsQuestions (BAI Administrative Circular No. 04, s. 2015)
It was promulgated pursuant to Section 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 of Republic Act No. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998).
Any person, partnership, firm, cooperative, corporation, association, or government agency/instrumentality desiring to engage in listed animal facilities (e.g., animal control facility, aviary, cattery, cattle farm, kennel, laboratory animal facility, pet shop, poultry farm, slaughterhouse, veterinary clinic/hospital, wildlife rescue center, zoo, etc.) must first be registered with the Office of the Director, BAI.
Registration is the process of approval for the establishment, maintenance and operation of animal facilities for activities such as breeding, treatment, sale, trading, training, or transport of animals, secured from the BAI.
The application must contain a standard petition form including the name, age, citizenship, passport size picture of the petitioner, and other pertinent circumstances pertaining to the establishment including the place where it will be established.
An authenticated photocopy of the Certificate of Business Name Registration issued by the Bureau of Domestic Trade (BDT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Authenticated photocopies of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A valid Mayor’s Permit for renewal registration.
Examples include: (1) standard petition form; (2) proof of registration/creation; (3) valid Mayor’s Permit (for renewal registration); (4) required PRC veterinarian registration and valid Professional Tax Receipt and S2 License from PDEA if applicable; (5) notarized employment contract/MOA of the veterinarian when applicable; (6) certificate of attendance from an accredited seminar on animal welfare (owner/manager and hired veterinarian); (7) affidavit of undertaking; (8) location plan/sketch; (9) environmental clearance from DENR; (10) facility specifications such as space, materials, ventilation, sanitation, quarantine, and recording systems.
The applicant must provide a notarized affidavit of undertaking to: (1) change the establishment’s name if there is already a similar validly registered name; (2) display the duly approved Registration Certificate in a conspicuous place; and (3) notify BAI in case of changes in circumstances stated in the application (e.g., change of location or veterinarian).
Examples include: sufficiency of space for free movement/exercise; suitable materials for housing; protection from elements and adverse climate; containment/security/safety; structural design enabling easy removal during emergencies; adequate ventilation, light, water supply and drainage/waste disposal; effective recording system and identification technique; cleanliness/sanitation and pathogen/pest control; year-round accessibility to roads; adequate quarantine facilities; and functional hospital/clinic facilities for treatment and diagnostics.
Handouts on the care of the animals must accompany every sale of every animal.
Both require that cases be managed/handled/treated by a duly licensed veterinarian; they must have functional and adequate facilities to treat wounded/injured and diagnose sick animals; and veterinary clinics must have laboratory equipment or access to a laboratory facility to aid diagnosis. Veterinary hospitals must have more facilities/equipment than clinics and must employ a Medical Technologist (or equivalent).
They must (1) be managed by qualified staff knowledgeable in animal production; (2) be situated in an area conforming to zoning regulations; (3) have enough area for structures, farm roads, and future expansion; and (4) be well-drained, level or moderately sloping, and not inundated at any time of the year.
Animals should be tamed/behaviorally modified or trained without injury or suffering; display enclosures should have access to sunlight; potentially dangerous animals’ enclosures must be locked at all times; double doors for enclosures of non-domestic animals; easy cleaning arrangements for waste/leftover food; exhibit areas must provide animals access to retreat away from public view; safety barriers and warning signs must be installed; resting/sleeping areas must be dry with appropriate bedding; and holding pens must be placed with minimum disturbance from human activities, among others.
They must be managed by qualified staff; have adequate facilities; include environmental enrichment facilities to minimize neurotic behavior; limit public access to minimize disease transmission risk; employ a minimum period of stay so the facility is not used as a lifetime care facility; comply with an Environment Impact Assessment under PD 1586; and be located at least five kilometers from existing farms (poultry, piggery, livestock farms) to prevent disease transmission risks.
Initial registration is valid for 1 year; renewal applications are valid for 3 years. Renewal should be applied for at least one month prior to the expiration of the registration.
Grounds include: misrepresentation of material facts in the application or documentation; failure to take adequate remedial/corrective measures for deficiencies; failure to keep up-to-date, secure, orderly, and easily inspected records showing continued compliance; and after revocation, re-application is prohibited within three years from revocation.
An annual surcharge of 50% of the amount due is levied on every expired registration certificate. A change in category or change of ownership requires a new application.
Poultry farm: minimum of 5,000 birds. Dogs and cats: minimum of 20 dogs and cats including puppies and kittens.