Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 19)
The main objective is to promote, ensure, and protect the welfare of all animals during land transport in the Philippines.
1) Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition; 2) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain; 3) Freedom from injury and disease; 4) Freedom to conform to essential behavior pattern; 5) Freedom from fear and distress.
Owners, managers, and subcontractors are responsible for the general health, fitness for the journey, and welfare of animals during transport.
An Animal Handler or Livestock Handler is a person licensed by the Bureau of Animal Industry-Marketing Development Division to handle livestock.
No animals shall be moved by suspension using mechanical means or lifted/dragged by body parts; electric prods are prohibited; animals must be restrained properly; no animal shall be made to jump from the transport vehicle except dogs at appropriate height; no throwing animals during unloading.
The carrier must choose appropriate vehicles, ensure trained staff are available, develop contingency plans, minimize stress during transport, and produce a Journey Plan detailing loading, journey duration, and resting places.
Required documents include Livestock Handlers License (LHL), Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), Rabies Vaccination and Health Certificate (for dogs, cats, monkeys), Shipping Permit, DENR Wildlife Transport Permit (for wildlife), animal identification and ownership documents, and Negative Coggins test for horses.
Vehicles must be designed to suit species size and weight, provide protection from weather, allow thorough cleaning and disinfection, prevent animals or their feed from contamination from excrement, be maintained mechanically and structurally, and have safety features such as reflectorized 'Live Animals' labels.
The maximum continuous travel time allowed for animals is twelve (12) hours.
Violations shall be penalized in accordance with Republic Act 8485, the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which includes sanctions relevant to animal welfare violations.