Law Summary
Purpose and Objectives
- Purpose: Ensure survival and conservation of confiscated, rescued, or donated wildlife species to maintain biodiversity.
- Objective: Establish standard procedures for the setup and management of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers tailored to biological, social, behavioral, and physical needs of species, consistent with the Wildlife Act and implementing rules.
Scope
- Covers wildlife species that are confiscated under RA 9147 or related PCSD resolutions.
- Includes wildlife that is abandoned, injured, wounded, accidentally caught, turned over, or donated to the PCSDS.
Key Definitions
- Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Facility for temporary custody and rehabilitation of confiscated, donated, injured, or abandoned wildlife before release or other disposition.
- Nest Box or Den: Shelter within or adjacent to enclosures protecting wildlife from weather extremes.
- Elevated Platform/Perching Area: Raised areas for resting.
- Gnawing and Chewing Items: Natural or artificial materials to maintain dental health of animals.
Disposition of Wildlife
- PCSD through District Management Offices (DMOs) responsible for all wildlife disposition.
- Wildlife in reproductive states, distress, or recovery must be brought immediately to rescue centers.
- Recently caught healthy wildlife may be released to capture sites after expert certification.
- Wildlife involved in judicial proceedings must be held at rescue centers pending court authority.
- Requirement to establish temporary holding facilities at all DMOs.
Accreditation of Rescue Centers
- Centers must be accredited by PCSD.
- Compliance with Sections 9, 12, 13, and 14 required.
- Accreditation conditions include regular monitoring, inventory reports.
- Accredited centers accept only PCSD-disposed wildlife with detailed accompanying documentation.
Transport of Wildlife
- PCSDS representative must accompany all transport.
- Transport timing considers animal biology (e.g., nocturnal or diurnal).
- Transport cages must be appropriately designed for species safety and welfare, with adequate ventilation and smooth interiors.
- Loading/unloading conducted by trained handlers or supervised by veterinarians.
- Air transport must comply with IATA regulations.
Accreditation Process
- Applicants must have scientific affiliation, wildlife knowledge, technical experience, and financial capability.
- Must submit project proposal, caretaker list, veterinary accreditation, cage plan, tagging system, and LGU endorsements.
- PCSD staff evaluates applications and recommends action.
General Rules of Animal Handling
- Appropriate equipment and drugs must be available.
- Documentation of all handling procedures mandatory.
- Veterinarian presence required for drug use.
- Physical examinations and fecal samples should be collected if feasible.
Facility and Equipment Standards
- Quarantine room isolated and equipped to prevent pathogen transmission.
- Separate food preparation, clinic/isolation, incubation, and necropsy rooms mandatory.
- Necropsy required for animals dying in captivity.
- Disinfectants must be placed at facility entrances.
Feeding and Hygiene
- Feeding program based on species-specific dietary requirements.
- Fresh, natural food presentation preferred.
- Food washing and cage disinfecting protocols specified.
- Protective gear for staff during cleaning; prevention of disease transmission emphasized.
Enclosures and Cages
- Designed to reduce stress and allow natural movement.
- Protection from elements and predators required.
- Must include shelters, perches, gnawing items, bathing facilities as appropriate.
- Species-specific structural features detailed (e.g., climbing structures for arboreal species).
- Location considers social, predator-prey, and sensory interactions.
Disposition of Wildlife at Centers
- PCSD determines disposition based on conservation value and species condition.
- Options include maintenance in centers for conservation, release to the wild under strict protocols, or euthanasia in specific cases (chronic disease, genetic concerns, lack of resources for release).
Prohibited Acts and Penalties
- Enforcement aligned with PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, chapters on prohibited acts and administrative penalties.
- Administrative adjudication procedures apply.
Integration and Repeal
- Other applicable provisions of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12 adopted.
- Inconsistent orders and policies repealed or amended.
Effectivity
- Guidelines effective 15 days after publication in the Office of the National Administrative Register.
This resolution comprehensively establishes the framework for managing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in Palawan, focusing on conservation, animal welfare, legal compliance, and institutional accountability.