Objective
- Ensures the welfare of animals during loading, unloading, and transportation by sea.
- Acknowledges certain transportation constraints that may limit full enjoyment of animal freedoms, so long as procedures comply with existing laws.
Scope and Application
- Applies to private and public passenger-cargo or pure cargo vessels and vehicles used for animal transport within Philippine territory.
- Covers companies and persons involved in animal transportation.
Definitions
- Defines key terms including "Animal," "Animal Health Division," "Animal Welfare Division," "BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry)," "Animal Container Van," "Livestock," "Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)," "Quarantine," "Quarantine Station," "Shipper," "Shipper's Representative," "Skipper or Master," "Vessel," and "Veterinary Quarantine Officer (VQO)."
Considerations and Responsibilities Before Transport
- Weather conditions may prolong animal stay on vessels or holding areas.
- Emphasizes responsibility of animal owners, shipmasters, and caretakers for welfare.
- Highlights importance of good handling and management.
- Requires shippers to secure all necessary BAI and other relevant government permits.
- Shipper must assign a caretaker onboard to tend to animals.
- Mandates coordination with shipping operators on accommodations and provisions for animals.
- Vehicles must be maintained, container vans dimensioned according to specified standards, and sanitary conditions maintained to ensure animal safety.
Detailed Responsibilities
- Shippers must ensure representative training, compliance with van dimensions, proper containment, securing permits, contingency planning, and avoidance of transport during extreme weather.
- Shipper's representatives must provide adequate food, water, and regular inspections (at least thrice daily for large animals), immediate aid to distressed animals, and lighting for nighttime inspections.
- Ship masters must guarantee humane treatment, reject sick animals, ensure well-ventilated safe spaces away from hazards, and organize safe disembarkation with assistance from authorities.
- Veterinary Quarantine Officers must uphold humane treatment, verify animal health, disallow sick animals, brief shippers, and ensure proper facilities and equipment.
Loading and Unloading Protocols
- Drivers to exercise care during loading to prevent animal distress.
- Shipping companies responsible for suitable ramps or chutes for animals boarded on foot.
- Prompt unloading upon arrival, with special care for injured or exhausted animals.
- Reporting to Animal Welfare Division required after intervention.
- Pets, poultry, birds, and wild animals in containers must be placed in mutually agreed secure areas.
Coordination with Other Government Agencies
- Bureau of Animal Industry to collaborate with agencies regulating sea transport to align rules in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.
Penalties
- Violations are subject to penalties under Republic Act 8485.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause preserves unaffected provisions if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repeals or modifies inconsistent prior administrative orders or issuances.
- Rules effective fifteen days after publication.
Appendix: Animal Container Van Specifications
- Cattle Vans: dimensions (20' x 8' x 8.5'), area and volume specified; space allotted per head for cattle, carabaos, and pigs.
- Hog Vans: three-storey vans (20' x 8' x 9'), detailed space allocation for weanling and fattened pigs, and goats.
- Containers for other species include crates, cages, tanks etc., varying by species and requiring consultation with BAI.
This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures humane and lawful sea transportation of animals with clear responsibilities, standards, and safeguards for animal welfare throughout the journey.