Objective of the Administrative Order
- Establish standards and regulate all activities related to the conduct of animal euthanasia.
Scope of Application
- Applies to all persons and entities handling animals, including government, NGOs, private companies, and people's organizations.
- Covers all live animals except food animals for slaughter, which fall under separate regulation (DA A.O. No. 18, series 2008).
Definitions of Key Terms
- Animal: All non-human species, domestic and wild.
- Barbiturate: Nervous system depressant used for inducing sleep or anesthesia.
- Domestic Animal: Animals bred and raised near human habitation.
- Escaped Animal: Animals outside their enclosures without control.
- Euthanasia: Humane and painless induction of death in animals.
- Sharpshooter: Skilled marksman authorized to use firearms in euthanasia.
- S-2 License: Authorization from PDEA for veterinarians to use controlled substances.
- Veterinary Officer: Licensed government veterinarian dealing with animal welfare.
- Wild and Zoo Animals: Untamed or confined wild species.
General Principles Governing Euthanasia
- Killing of animals prohibited except under specific, humane, veterinary-certified circumstances.
- Conditions for euthanasia include incurable disease, ending animal suffering, population control, research use, preventing human danger, or similar grounds.
- Only duly licensed veterinarians or authorized personnel may perform euthanasia.
- Proper procedures include rapid, humane execution minimizing fear and distress, preferably by injection away from public and other animals.
- Use of licensed firearms restricted to sharpshooters and authorized law enforcement.
- Veterinarians must confirm death via absence of respiration, heartbeat, and pupil dilation.
Approved Methods of Euthanasia
Non-inhalant Methods
- Intravenous barbiturates as preferred approach.
- Intraperitoneal and intracardiac injections acceptable under sedation.
- Neuromuscular blockers only after sedation.
Inhalants
- Carbon monoxide from safe sources with proper chamber conditions.
- Carbon dioxide in cylinders with regulated inflow; other CO2 sources prohibited.
Physical Methods
- Firearms (.22 caliber or higher, non-expansive bullets) used by trained personnel targeting the brain.
- Penetrating captive bolt for large animals with proper restraint.
Specific Euthanasia Methods by Animal Species
- Amphibians: Double pithing, inhalants, carbon dioxide, ether, chloroform.
- Birds: Cervical dislocation, barbiturates, inhalants, etc.
- Cats and Dogs: Barbiturates, inhalants, potassium chloride, gunshot.
- Crocodiles, horses, marine mammals, pigs, rabbits, rodents, ruminants, snakes, turtles: Various approved methods specified including physical and chemical means.
Handling of Injured, Disabled, or Incapacitated Animals
- Humane handling and provision of humane transport or immediate euthanasia.
Handling of Escaped Animals
- Retrieval by humane methods or mechanical stunners.
- Destruction if treatment refused.
- Use of water sprays in hot weather for certain animals recommended minimally.
Role of Bureau of Animal Industry and Other Agencies
- Registers animal confinement facilities.
- Facilitates information exchange, policy advice, and monitoring.
- May call on other government agencies to assist in law enforcement and implementation.
Prohibited Acts and Penalties
- Non-compliance with humane methods prohibited.
- Penal sanctions: imprisonment (6 months to 2 years), fines (P1,000 to P5,000), or both.
- Aliens guilty of violation subject to deportation after sentence.
- Administrative sanctions: permit cancellations, license revocations.
Continuation of Existing Rules
- Existing related rules remain valid unless inconsistent with this Order.
Repeal of Inconsistent Regulations
- Any conflicting regulations or orders are repealed or modified accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part does not affect remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Order takes effect 15 days after publication and filing with the UP Law Center.