Certificate of Registration Requirement
- No entity may operate pet shops, kennels, veterinary clinics/hospitals, stockyards, corrals, stud farms, or zoos without a certificate from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
- Certification depends on proof of adequate, clean, sanitary facilities that prevent animal pain or suffering.
- Certificate valid for one year; renewable annually.
- Fees charged for issuance or renewal.
- Ongoing compliance with conditions required; noncompliance leads to revocation or cancellation.
Supervisory and Regulatory Authority
- The BAI Director supervises and regulates animal facilities and transport.
- Oversight extends to transportation to ensure animal comfort and prevent cruelty.
- The Director may request assistance from other government agencies as necessary.
- Agencies must aid the BAI and can use budget funds for this purpose.
Requirements for Animal Transportation
- Transporters must provide adequate, clean, sanitary facilities for safe animal conveyance.
- Food and water required for transit over 12 hours or as necessary.
- A written permit from the BAI Director is mandatory for transport.
- Cruel confinement and restraint during transport are prohibited.
- Specific cruelty examples include overcrowding and placing animals in trunks or under hoods.
Committee on Animal Welfare
- Created under the Department of Agriculture to issue rules and regulations for implementing the Act.
- Rules to be set within 30 days, reviewed every 3 years or as needed.
- Composition includes representatives from various government agencies, veterinary associations, and animal welfare groups.
- Chaired by a private sector representative; includes two vice chairs.
- Committee meets quarterly or as needed; members not compensated but may receive honoraria.
Prohibitions Against Animal Cruelty
- Illegal to torture, neglect, maltreat animals or subject dogs/horses to fights.
- Unauthorized use of animals in research or experiments prohibited.
- Killing of animals other than listed livestock prohibited except under specific circumstances:
- Religious or cultural rituals with recordkeeping.
- Incurable communicable disease certified by a licensed veterinarian.
- To end animal suffering certified by a veterinarian.
- To prevent imminent danger to humans.
- For animal population control.
- After authorized research or experiments.
- Other analogous grounds certified by a veterinarian.
- Killing must always follow humane procedures using scientific methods approved by the Committee.
Protection of Wildlife Habitat
- Every person must protect the natural habitats of wildlife.
- Destruction of these habitats constitutes cruelty to animals.
- Preservation of habitat is part of animal protection.
Penalties for Violations
- Violators face imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years.
- Alternatively or additionally, fines between P1,000 and P5,000.
- Corporations held liable through responsible officers.
- Foreign violators subject to deportation after serving sentence.
Repeal and Effectivity
- Inconsistent laws, orders, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
- The Act took effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.