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This Administrative Order shall be known as the Revised Rules and Regulations on the Euthanasia of Animals amending DA Administrative Order 21 issued on April 26, 1999 pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as well as Section 7 (9) of Republic Act No. 9482, otherwise known as the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

SECTION 1. Basic Policy - It is the policy of the state to protect and promote the welfare of animals in the Philippines and to monitor the strict implementation and observance of R.A. No. 8485 as well as pertinent provisions of R.A. No. 9482 to ensure that only the acceptable and most humane manner of killing animals as observed under given circumstances.

This Revised Rules and Regulations on the euthanasia of animals takes into consideration the freedom of animals from physical discomfort and pain and their freedom from fear and distress during the conduct of euthanasia.

SECTION 2. Objective – This Administrative Order is established to set standards and to regulate all activities relating to the conduct of euthanasia of animals.

SECTION 3. Scope - This Administrative Order shall cover all persons, including government and non-government institutions, private companies or organizations, associations and the like including peoples organizations, who in one way or another may be handling animals either as pets, part of their profession, functions, advocacy or business. This rule shall cover all animals while alive.

Euthanasia of food animals for purposes of slaughter shall be governed by DA A.O. No. 18 series of 2008 on Rules and Regulation on Humane Handling in the Slaughter of Animals for Food.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Rules and Regulations, the following terms shall be used:

Animal refers to every non-human species of animal both domestic and wild including but not limited to dogs, cats, livestock and fowl.

Barbiturate refers to a group of organic compounds derived from barbituric acid that depresses the nervous system and is used to induce apathy and sleep. In high doses, is also used as an anesthetic.

Domestic Animal refers to an animal that has been bred and raised to live in or about the habitation of humans and is dependent on people for food and shelter.

Escaped Animal refers to any animal that is outside its designated cage, corral, yard or enclosure without the control of its owner or handler.

Euthanasia refers to the process of inducing humane and painless death to animals.

Sharpshooter refers to a skilled marksman in the use of a firearm.

S-2 refers to a license issued by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), authorizing veterinarians to prescribe and/or make use of appropriate dangerous drug preparations.

Veterinary Officer refers to a licensed veterinarian employed by the government as veterinarian of the municipality, city, province, local units, or Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Units for the purpose of dealing with animal welfare.

Wild Animal refers to an untamed non-domesticated animal, moving and unrestrained in its natural environment/habitat.

Zoo Animal refers to any wild animal kept in close or open confinement usually for public viewing.

SECTION 5. General Principles –

5.1 Section 6 of R.A. 8485 prohibits the killing of any animal except as provided in the same law. However, killing shall be done through humane procedures at all times which shall mean the use of the most scientific methods available as may be determined and approved by the Committee on Animal Welfare. Such methods shall be identified in these rules.

5.2 Euthanasia shall only be allowed under the following conditions or circumstances and performed by a duly licensed veterinarian:

5.2.a When the animal is afflicted with an incurable or communicable disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;

5.2.b When the killing is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the animals as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian.

5.2.c When done on purposes of animal population control.

5.2.d When the animal is killed after it has been used in authorized research or experiments.

5.2.e When done to prevent imminent danger to the life or limb of human being.

5.2.f Any other grounds analogous to the above as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian.

5.3 Persons authorized to Perform Euthanasia

The conduct of euthanasia of animal is vested on the duly licensed veterinarian.

5.4 Proper Euthanasia Procedure

5.4.a In case a firearm is used, the following are required: 1) only licensed firearms shall be used. 2) Only sharpshooters and members of the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agency deputized by the Bureau of Animal Industry and authorized by the concerned local government unit.
5.4.b The person performing euthanasia should have the technical competence. This should be performed by a duly licensed veterinarian.
5.4.c The preferred method of euthanasia shall always be by injection.
5.4.d Euthanasia shall be done rapidly and humanely and must occur with the least fear, anxiety, pain and distress to the animal. Consideration must be given to how the animal is handled during the procedure.
5.4.e Euthanasia shall always be done away from public view and away from other animals.
5.4.f In case barbiturates are used, veterinarians involved shall secure an S2 license from the PDEA.
5.4.g The veterinarian shall ensure that the animal is dead. He shall be guided by the following signs of death:

5.4.g.a absence of respiration
5.4.g.b absence of heartbeat
5.4.g.c dilation of the pupils

SECTION 6. APPROVED METHODS OF EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia shall only be performed by a duly licensed veterinarian.

6.1 Non-inhalant (Barbiturate)

6.1.a Intravenous injection of a barbiturate is the preferred method for euthanasia in animals.

6.1.b Intraperitoneal and intracardiac injection of the barbiturate may be used in situations when an intravenous injection would be distressful or even dangerous. This method is better when the animal is heavily sedated, unconscious or anesthetized.

6.1.c Neuromuscular blocking agents such as Magnesium sulfate or Potassium chloride which are administered to stop the heart must be used only after the administration of Tiletamine with Zolazepam or Ketamine with Diazepam or other sedative combinations.

6.2 Inhalants

6.2.a Carbon Monoxide

6.2.a.a Carbon monoxide produced by any gasoline powered engine or commercially compressed carbon monoxide may be used.

6.2.a.b The chamber shall be designed that the animals inside are not too crowded and could be viewed from the outside.

6.2.b Carbon Dioxide

6.2.b.a Carbon dioxide is acceptable for euthanasia in appropriate species.

6.2.b.b Compressed carbon dioxide gas in cylinders is the only recommended source of Carbon dioxide because the inflow to the chamber can be regulated precisely.

6.2.b.c Carbon dioxide generated by other methods such as dry ice, fire extinguishers or chemical means (e.g. antacids) is unacceptable.

6.3 Physical Methods

6.3.a Firearms (gunshot)

Firearms may likewise be used in euthanasia of specific animals. Shooting however, should only be performed by highly skilled personnel trained in the use of firearms such as those who are members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies. Only licensed and authorized firearms shall be used in the euthanasia of animals.

The following must be considered when firearms are used in euthanasia:

6.3.a.a Firearms shall be with no less than .22 caliber using non expansive bullets provided that the animal is pursued until death.

6.3.a.b The person using the firearm should aim or target the brain for the quick and immediate death of the animal. This should be done under the supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian (refer to figure 1 to 5^*)

6.3.b Penetrating Captive Bolt

Use of penetrating captive bolt is an acceptable and practical method of euthanasia for horses, ruminants, swine, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises. Its mode of action is concussion and trauma to the brain. Adequate restraint is important to ensure the proper placement of the captive bolt.

SECTION 7. The agents and methods of euthanasia for animals

AGENT AND METHODS OF EUTHANASIA BY SPECIES

SPECIES	ACCEPTABLE
Amphibians	double pithing, inhalant anesthetics (in appropriate species), carbon dioxide (in cylinder), ether and chloroform.
Birds and wild)	(domestic cervical dislocation, barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, carbon dioxide  (in cylinder), decapitation, drowning for pips or hatchlings
Cats and Dogs	barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, carbon monoxide (from a car exhaust using gasoline engine), potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate in conjunction with general anesthetics, gunshot.
Crocodiles	pithing, gunshot, penetrating captive bolt, sharp blow to the head, decapitation.
Fish (aquarium Fishes)	decapitation, percutaneous anesthetic overdose (immersion), benzocaine hydrochloride (intramuscular).
Horses (domestic and wild)	gunshot, penetrating captive bolt, barbiturates, potassium chloride, in conjunction with general anesthetics.
Marine Mammals	barbiturates, etorphine hydrochloride (intravenous), gunshot.
Non-human Primates	barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, gunshot.
Pigs (domestic and wild)	barbiturates, carbon dioxide, (in cylinder), penetrating captive bolt, gunshot, sharp blow to the head (under 3 weeks of age), drowning (day old).
Rabbits	decapitation, cervical dislocation, barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, Carbon dioxide (in cylinders), potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthetics.
Rodents and other small mammals	barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, carbon dioxide (in cylinder), cervical dislocation, decapitation.
Ruminants (domestic and wild)	barbiturates, penetrating captive bolt, gunshot.
Snakes and Lizards	pithing, barbiturates, sharp blow to the head, carbon dioxide (in cylinder), decapitation, gunshot.
Turtles and Tortoises	pithing, gunshot, penetrating captive bolt, sharp blow to the head, decapitation

SECTION 8. Handling of Injured, Disabled, Sick or Unable to Walk Animals – When an animal is injured, disabled, sick or unable to walk, it shall be handled as humanely as possible. Where an animal is unable to walk, there shall be a humane means of conveyance made available to transport the animal or euthanized immediately.

SECTION 9. Handling of Escaped Animals - When an animal escapes it shall be:

9.a retrieve by the use of humane handling methods.

9.b retrieve by the use of a mechanical stunner (penetrating or percussions) including cartridge and pneumatic captive bolt types

9.c humanely destroyed if the owner or its agent does not wish the animal to be treated.

9.d the use of water sprays for wetting pigs, cattle, carabao, horses, goats is recommended in hot weather. The use shall be kept to minimum.

SECTION 10. Role of the Bureau of Animal Industry, LGU’s and other Concerned Agencies – The Bureau of Animal Industry that was tasked to implement RA No. 8485 shall register all facilities or structure for the confinement of animals where they are bred, treated, maintained or kept either for sale or trade or for training purposes pursuant to the provisions of DA AO No. 8 series of 1999, DILG Memo Circular 2005-01 and RA No. 9482, where euthanasia shall be conducted. It shall facilitate information exchange, review and monitor approved facilities and provide policy advice. The Director may call upon any government agency for assistance consistent with its powers, duties and responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the rules and regulations promulgated there under. It shall be the duty of such government agency concerned to assist said Director when called upon for assistance using any available fund in its budget for the purpose.

SECTION 11. Prohibited Acts and Penalties - Any activities or practices not considered acceptable and humane method under the foregoing rules and regulations is hereby considered prohibited.

Any person, firm, company, government or non-government insitution, peoples organization and the like who violates any provision of this Administrative Order and performs euthanasia of animals contrary or not in accordance with guidelines set forth herein shall upon conviction by final judgment be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) months to two (2) years or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) 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. This is without prejudice to whatever administrative sanction that may be imposed in addition to such fine and imprisonment such as cancellation of permit of registration with the Bureau of Animal Industry, revocation of accreditation of the establishment and the cancellation of license in the case of veterinarians.

SECTION 12. Non Exclusivity Clause - All existing rules and regulations, policies, procedures and standards not inconsistent with this order shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. Repealing Clause - All existing administrative orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 14. Separability Clause – If any provision of this Order is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 15. Effectivity - This order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation and its filing with the UP Law Center.

(SGD.) ATTY. BERNIE G. FONDEVILLA
  Secretary

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* Not Filed with ONAR.