Pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act 8485, otherwise known as Animal Welfare Act of 1998, the following requirements for animal transport are hereby promulgated for the information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:

Section 1. Basic Policy and Objectives

          It shall be the duty of the owner and operator of any air public utility and airport authority transporting pet, wildlife and all other animals to provide in all cases adequate, clean, and sanitary facilities for the safe conveyance and delivery of such animals, He/she shall ensure that sufficient food and water for such animals be made available whenever necessary while in carriage for more than twelve (12) hours.

Section 2. Definition of Terms

          For the purpose of these rules and regulations the following definitions are adopted:

2.1 Animal Transport refers to the mode of transport that would bring the animal from the place of origin to the place of destination.

2.2 Air Transport refer to the transfer of animal from place of origin to place of destination by air.

2.3 Carriage refers to the process of conveying or transporting animals from one place to another, from the time the animals are checked-in to the time they are released.

Section 3. Code of Practice on Animal Air Transport

3.1 Animals that are transported by air shall conform with the existing rules, principles and regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

3.2 Last In- First Out Concept shall be observed when loading and unloading live animals.

3.3 Caged animals shall be placed in well ventilated rooms with appropriate temperature as indicated in the Appendix C (Optimum Temperature Ranges for Live Animals) of Live Animal Regulations of the IATA.

3.4 Small domestic fowls shall be transported in proper cages with sufficient ventilation

3.5 In case carriage exceeds 12 hours, the shipper shall provide food and water whenever necessary.

3.6 Airport authorities shall provide a holding area in their respective airports for animals under carriage. Provided, however, that in case of emergency, they shall also extend the necessary assistance to the animals.

3.7 The carrier of airport authorities shall extend all the necessary assistance for the safety and comfort of the animals while in the holding area.

3.8 In international and major domestic airports, airport veterinary officers shall be available for acceptance and release of all incoming and outgoing animals. Competent officials such as, but not limited to, Quarantine Veterinary, Wildlife and Customs authorities shall be available at all times for the immediate release of the animals from the holding area.

Section 4. Penalty

          Any person who violates any provision of this Administrative Order shall, upon conviction of final judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six(6) nor more than two(2) years or a fine of not less than One Thousand pesos (P1,000) nor more than Five Thousand pesos (P5,000) or both at the discretion of the court. If the violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported after service of sentence without any further proceedings

Section 5. Separability Clause

           In case any provision of these rules and regulations is declare unconstitutional or contrary to law, other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in force and effect.

Section 6. Repealing Clause

           All administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this =Regulation are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7 Effectivity

          This Regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary

Recommending approval of Administrative Orders on Rules and Regulations on Animal Air Transport.