Title
Law on Provincial Pounds and Stolen Property
Law
Act No. 877
Decision Date
Sep 9, 1903
Act No. 877 establishes provincial pounds and outlines procedures for the disposition of stolen animals and seized property in the Philippines, including advertising, public auction, and reimbursement of expenses.

Appointment of Provincial Supervisors as Keepers

  • The provincial supervisor in each province is designated the keeper of the provincial pound.

Delivery of Seized or Captured Property

  • Animals (including cattle, carabaos, horses) or other movable stolen or suspected stolen property seized by the Philippine Constabulary or peace officers must be delivered to the provincial supervisor.
  • The provincial supervisor must issue a receipt detailing the description of the property including class, age, brands, colors, marks, or any identifying characteristics.

Notice and Advertisement for Claims

  • The provincial supervisor must advertise the seized property within three days by posting notices on provincial and municipal building doors.
  • Owners are called upon to prove ownership within 30 days from the notice date.
  • Unclaimed property after 30 days shall be sold at public auction for cash to the highest bidder.

Care, Maintenance, and Recovery of Expenses

  • The provincial supervisor is authorized to feed and care for animals delivered under this Act.
  • Owners who prove ownership must reimburse maintenance expenses.
  • Expense may be deducted from proceeds in case of sale.
  • If owners do not pay maintenance costs after notice, the property shall be sold with expenses deducted from sale proceeds, and any balance returned to the owner.

Proceeds from Sale and Title of Purchasers

  • Proceeds from unclaimed property sold at auction are paid to the provincial treasury.
  • Purchasers at auction receive good and indefeasible title to the property sold.

Claims by Owners After Sale

  • Owners may present evidence of ownership post-sale to the provincial supervisor.
  • The provincial board may examine evidence and authorize payment of net proceeds to rightful claimants.
  • Claims must be made within one year from the date of public sale; claims beyond one year are barred.

Expedited Enactment

  • The law’s passage was expedited for the public good in accordance with rules on legislative procedure.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon its passage on September 9, 1903.

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