The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum circular that encourages the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to implement the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998’’ for the care and welfare of the animals in their communities.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. explained that the purpose of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2024-126 is to encourage the LGUs to establish and manage animal pounds and all other facilities that may be utilized for “the breeding, keeping, care, treatment or training of all animals as objects of trade or as livestock. pet in the house.’’
“Republic Act No. 8485 (The Animal Welfare Act of 1998) was enacted into law for the purpose of protecting and promoting the welfare of all animals in the country, by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as objects of trade, or as household pets to
include birds,’’ the DILG noted.
“Animal welfare linked to other sustainability issues such as food security, human health, and environmental pressure on ecosystems, has its compelling need for a change of human perspective and mindset to position animals for humane treatment. This important dimension of sustainable development needs to be considered, requiring the upholding of standards indispensable in achieving desired sustainable gains,’’ it added.
With these considerations, the DILG, consistent with its mandate of providing assistance in the
implementation of the law, has issued enabling policies and joint issuances with the Department of Agriculture (DA) that covers 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 and use of euthanasia for population control and such prohibitions on dog meat trade and animal fighting for the protection and welfare of animals.
Despite the issuance of the MC, Abalos said that the DILG received reports on cases of animal cruelty that need to be properly addressed requiring the reiteration and consolidation of set guidelines and standards, and strengthening further, LGU structures to enable them to effectively carry-out their mandated tasks.
“This memorandum circular is issued to encourage local government units to implement all program components of the animal welfare law, particularly in the establishment and management of animal pound, and all other facilities established and utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as objects of trade or as household pets,’’ Abalos noted.
He added that the policy also covers the care and welfare of animals in captivity or in the wild, companion animals, work animals, and animals used for entertainment and scientific research.
Under the MC, Abalos stated that all barangays are mandated to designate a barangay animal welfare, who will coordinate with the city and/or municipal designated animal welfare enforcement Officer/office, as the case may be, on matters concerning barangay animal welfare activities.
The DILG chief pointed out that the animal welfare enforcement by the local government units shall be in coordination with the concerned Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) through their deputized Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs).