DILG issues memo on Animal Welfare Act’s implementation

CEBU, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos has issued a memorandum to all local government units regarding the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act.

The Animal Welfare Act was enacted to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the country. It supervises and regulates the establishment and operations of all facilities used for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating, or training animals, whether they are objects of trade or household pets, including birds.

The memo also highlights the connection between animal welfare and other sustainability issues such as food security, human health, and environmental pressure on ecosystems. It emphasizes the need for a change in human perspective and mindset to ensure humane treatment of animals.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued policies and joint issuances with the Department of Agriculture. These cover the registration of all animal facilities, regulations on the welfare of animals during rearing, raising animals for food or animal husbandry, care of animals during transport and slaughter, responsible pet ownership, care of animals in pounds, use of euthanasia for population control, and prohibitions on the dog meat trade and animal fighting.

However, Abalos noted that reports of animal cruelty continue to be received, prompting the issuance of this memo.

Local government units are encouraged to implement all components of the animal welfare law, particularly in the establishment and management of animal pounds and other facilities used for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating, or training animals, whether they are objects of trade or household pets.

The program components of the Animal Welfare Act should be implemented at the city, municipal, and barangay levels through designated Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs) in every City and Municipal Veterinary Office, or at the Municipal Agriculturist Office in municipalities without an appointed municipal veterinarian or veterinary office.

All barangays are mandated to designate a Barangay Animal Welfare Officer to coordinate with the city and/or municipal designated Animal Welfare Enforcement Officer/office.

Animal welfare enforcement by local government units shall be coordinated with the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) through their deputized Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs).

Local government unit police stations are expected to establish an Animal Welfare Desk, while barangays are to create an Animal Welfare Committee (BARWC) in coordination with the PNP Designated Animal Welfare Officer.

The establishment of dog or animal pounds must adhere to the standards and guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA). — (FREEMAN)