Adoption of Stray and Impounded Animals

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 P4:18 SENATE RECEIV S. No. 591 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR PROMOTING THE ADOPTION OF STRAY AND IMPOUNDED ANIMALS BY PROVIDING INCENTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Mars Petcare Pet Homelessness Project report reveals that there are currently 13.11 million stray cats and dogs in the Philippines, indicating that 41% of these animals are homeless. According to a statement from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the issue of animal homelessness in the Philippines has reached a critical point. Many dogs and cats are struggling to survive on the streets, and hundreds are euthanized each month in municipal animal shelters. Stray animals, along with those rescued but not adopted or reclaimed from local shelters, face euthanasia due to a lack of space and resources. Data from the City Veterinary Department of Quezon City show that its city pound captures an average of 200 animals per week, which amounts to about 9,600 homeless animals annually. Unfortunately, the pet adoption rate remains below one percent, leaving many animals in shelters vulnerable to euthanasia, as mandated by the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 09, series of 2011. In various regions of the Philippines, stray animals are often viewed as nuisances rather than lives deserving of rescue. There is an urgent need for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and a cultural shift that actively promotes the welfare of animals. In response, this bill aims to encourage the adoption of stray and impounded animals by offering tax incentives

to individuals or corporations that choose to adopt these animals in line with this initiative. This initiative seeks to reduce the incidence of euthanasia among stray and impounded animals. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR ROC

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 P4:18 SENATE RECER: " S. No. 591 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR PROMOTING THE ADOPTION OF STRAY AND IMPOUNDED ANIMALS BY PROVIDING INCENTIVES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the

welfare of every animal, including stray and impounded pets, and ensure that their needs are adequately met. The State recognizes that the responsibility for the welfare 4 of animals is not solely limited to the authorities. Thus, this law aims at promoting responsible pet adoption, providing stray and impounded animal proper protection.

Sec. 2. Provision for Adoption. -

a) All impounded and stray animals shall be given the opportunity for adoption. b) The local government units (LGU) shall develop and implement programs to promote and facilitate adoption of impounded and stray animals, including but not limited to the establishment of adoption centers, pet fairs, and incentives for adopters. c) Adoption of impounded and stray animals shall be considered as a tax incentive for a percentage of the real property tax of the adoptee.

Sec. 3. Certificate of Adoption by LGUs. - LGUs shall issue certificates of

adoption in accordance with the guidelines to be provided by the Bureau of Animal Industry for purposes of the tax incentive benefit stated in Sec. 2(c) of this Act.

Sec. 4. Provision for Corporations. -

a Corporations that promote adoption of impounded and stray animals by their employees may apply for tax deduction on expenses incurred in compliance to this Act. b) Corporations are encouraged to establish pet-friendly policies that promote responsible pet ownership, including but not limited to pet insurance, pet care services, and pet-friendly workspaces.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Agriculture,

in consultation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, shall issue rules and regulations to implement this Act within six (6) months from its effectivity.

Sec. 6. Applicability. - This Act shall apply to all local government units and

impounding facilities in the Philippines.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be

declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

20 publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation. Approved,