Title
Establishment of National Stud Farm
Law
Republic Act No. 4618
Decision Date
Jun 19, 1965
Republic Act No. 4618 establishes a National Stud Farm in the Philippines to improve the breed of horses and prevent illegal importation, with a Board of Trustees overseeing its operations and policies.
A

Establishment and Control of the National Stud Farm

  • Creation of the National Stud Farm (the Farm) governed by a Board of Trustees.
  • Administrative control under the Office of the President of the Philippines.

Composition of the Board of Trustees

  • Members include: Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Chairman of Games and Amusements Board, General Managers of relevant race organizations, Presidents of racing clubs, President of Thoroughbred and Horse Breeders Association, and three additional appointed members (including one veterinarian).
  • Board elects its Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Board Meetings and Compensation

  • Regular weekly meetings plus up to four special meetings monthly.
  • Members entitled to a per diem of thirty pesos for attendance.

Appointment and Qualifications of the National Stud Master

  • Appointed by the Board; serves as General Manager of the Farm.
  • Must be a veterinarian with at least ten years' experience and expertise with horses.
  • Attends all Board meetings and implements Board policies.

Appointment and Role of the Board Secretary

  • Must be a Philippine Bar member with five years' practice.
  • Responsible for meeting minutes, correspondence, agenda, and other administrative duties.
  • Compensation fixed by the Board.

Other Personnel

  • Board may appoint other necessary personnel exempt from Civil Service Act provisions.

Acquisition and Ownership of Thoroughbreds

  • Farm acquires thoroughbred stallions of excellent pedigree for breeding Filipino mares.

Stallion Stations

  • Established based on ideal soil, climate, and proximity to horse racing centers.

Breeding Service Conditions

  • Mare owners must apply at least two months before breeding season.
  • Only top-quality mares accepted based on pedigree and racing record.
  • If qualified mares exceed stallion capacity, selection by lot; unchosen mares get preference next season.
  • Mares subject to veterinary inspection before and after service.
  • Mares and foals served by Farm stallions cannot be sold or exported abroad.
  • Periodic inspections of mares after service by Farm personnel.

Service Fees

  • Fees are reasonable, set to encourage use by quality mare owners.
  • No commercial fee levels; no live foal guarantees or return services.

Stallion Purchase Conditions

  • Only best bloodline stallions with certified pedigree.
  • Rules set by the Board; a representative, well-versed in horse quality, may be appointed to acquire stallions.

Stallion Age Requirement

  • Stallions must be no more than twelve years old and certified sires.

Sale of Horses

  • Imported Farm horses can only be resold if unanimously declared sterile or unsuitable for breeding by veterinarians and approved by the Board.

Acquisition of Stallions and Mares Abroad

  • Farm authorized to participate in approved thoroughbred auctions abroad to acquire top stallions and mares.

Rule-Making Authority

  • Board empowered to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the Act.

Registry Section and National Stud Book

  • Farm maintains the Philippine National Stud Book.
  • Registry headed by a National Stud Book Keeper, preferably a veterinarian with extensive experience.
  • Position is honorary, with appointment priority given to Thoroughbred Breeders Association recommendation.

Sections of the Philippine National Stud Book

  • First section: pure thoroughbred horses recognized internationally and their progeny.
  • Second section: pure thoroughbreds from other countries.
  • Third section: pure-breed and half-breed native horses.
  • Aim to have first section recognized by foreign racing authorities.

Eligibility for First Section Registration

  • Horses must have an unbroken pedigree traceable to recognized General Stud Books or approved sires and mares.
  • Farm may refuse registration without explanation if doubts arise.

Race Participation Requirements

  • Only horses registered and named in the National Stud Book can participate in Philippine races.

Transition for Existing Race Horses

  • Existing race horses may continue to race for one year to secure registration; thereafter, unregistered horses barred.

Eligibility for Foal Registration

  • Both sire and dam must be registered in the National Stud Book for foal eligibility.

Reporting Requirements

  • Stallion owners must report mares served monthly, including details of mares and owners.
  • Mare owners must also report monthy the mares served, including stallion details.
  • Deaths of registered horses must be reported within thirty days.
  • Abortions and foal deaths reported by mare owners within thirty days.

Branding of Foals

  • Foals must be branded with municipal and owner's brand within seven months of birth.
  • Owners must report branding within ten days with brand facsimile.

Inspection Authority

  • Farm personnel may inspect mares served at any time.

Foal Registration Procedures

  • Foals must be registered within five months of birth.
  • Proper forms and descriptions required.

Issuance of Certificates

  • Certificates issued only after all reports and conditions are satisfied and on file.

Fees for Services

  • Farm sets reasonable fees for reports and certificates related to the Act.

Participation of Imported Thoroughbreds in Local Races

  • Imported thoroughbreds without prior prize records may race for four years post-enactment.
  • Races for imported horses are segregated, with limits on number of races per day based on horse numbers.

Funding of the Farm

  • Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office authorized to hold special draws and races, proceeds net of expenses go to the Farm.
  • Unexpended balances from Games and Amusements Board also transferred to the Farm.
  • Fund treated as special fund for Farm's purposes.

Repealing Clause

  • All laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect upon approval.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.