Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI)
The main objective of RA 8485 is to promote animal welfare in the Philippines by ensuring the humane treatment and protection of animals through the implementation of guidelines and standards.
The Director, as mandated under Section 3 of RA 8485, may call upon any government agency for assistance consistent with its powers, duties, and responsibilities for effective implementation of the Act.
The Committee on Animal Welfare, attached to the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for issuing rules and regulations for the strict implementation of RA 8485, including setting safety and sanitary standards.
RA 8485 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation as per Section 10.
The Secretary of Agriculture organized the Animal Welfare Division within the Bureau of Animal Industry tasked with enforcing rules, establishing monitoring systems, maintaining databases, and assisting in implementation of the Act.
The Animal Welfare Division enforces rules and regulations, establishes inspection and monitoring systems, maintains animal welfare databases, conducts research, collects fees for registration and monitoring, deputies personnel, acts as Secretariat to the Committee, and prepares the budget and workplans.
Task Forces focus on regulating pet shops, kennels, veterinary clinics and hospitals, stockyards, corral, stud or stock farms, zoos, and other facilities involved in breeding, animal experimentation, treatment, sale, trading, training, and transport of animals.
Task Forces are composed of representatives from concerned agencies and organizations. After the Secretary approves the rules and regulations they recommend, the Task Forces shall cease to exist.
Existing rules, orders, circulars, memoranda, or parts thereof inconsistent with the IRR are repealed or modified accordingly as stated in Rule 5.
The IRR shall take effect seven (7) calendar days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Rule 6 provides that if any provision or part of the IRR is declared unconstitutional by a competent court, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.