SECTION 1.      Basic Policy and Objectives

1.1       Adherence to the five basic freedom of animals:

a)    Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition;
b)    Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
c)    Freedom from injury and disease;
d)    Freedom to conform to essential behavior pattern; and
e)    Freedom from fear and distress.

1.2       Adherence to veterinary public health precepts, laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 2.      Definition of Terms

2.1       Exhibition refers to the showing of animals in public and/or private places.

2.2       Dog Show refers to the exhibition of dogs showing their conformation, special skills, tricks and performance in competition and entertainment shows before the public or any interested parties.

2.3       Show Veterinarian refers to a veterinarian accredited by the Animal Welfare Division (AWD) of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) who shall possess a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID and an updated Professional Tax Receipt (PTR).

2.4       Dog Show Entry refers to any dog especially trained and listed as a performer, exhibitor and competitor entered into the show area premises on the occasion of a dog show.

2.5       Show Area refers to the entire venue within the perimeter of the show and shall include the following areas: registration, veterinary examination, rest and spectator areas and show ring.

SECTION 3.      Rules and Regulations

3.1       All dog shows shall have a permit from the AWD of the BAI or through the deputized Animal Welfare Officers in the regions and provinces.

3.2       There shall be at least two (2) show veterinarians during the show.

3.3       Show paraphernalia and area shall not cause distress, injury, and physical discomfort to the dogs.

3.4       The organizers shall provide an area for veterinary examination tables at the entry that is shaded or in a well-ventilated or airconditioned area.

3.5       Show veterinarians shall be present during the entire duration of the show to examine all dog show entries, to attend to emergencies, and to ensure that the rules and regulations of the Animal Welfare Act pertaining to shows are properly implemented.

3.6       All dog entries shall have been examined by a show veterinarian before entering the show ring or area. This examination shall include among other things, the physical fitness of the dog, the presence or absence of a communicable disease, evidence of maltreatment or cruelty, uncontrolled aggressiveness, congenital defect, etc.

3.7       All dogs shall have an updated vaccination against highly contagious diseases such as, but not limited to, diseases caused by canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, canine para-influenza virus. This shall be certified by a veterinarian with an updated PRC license and PTR.

3.8       As required by law, all dog show entries shall have been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with an updated PRC license and PTR. Such vaccination shall be no less than 30 days and no more than one year at the time of the show. After a year, the succeeding boosters shall be given within two months. Proofs of vaccination shall be presented to the show veterinarian with the same requirements as 3.7.

3.9       All dogs shall be properly controlled e.g. dogs shall be on leashes or cages before, during and after the show, except when the dogs are performing.

3.10    Emergency kit and medicines shall be provided by the show organizers as prescribed by the designated show veterinarians at all times during the show. A vehicle shall be made available to transport injured dogs to veterinary clinics or hospitals.

3.11    No dogs shall be placed inside a vehicle despite air-conditioning while waiting for its turn to be shown.

3.12    Non-show dogs or other species of animals not listed as a competitor or performer in the show area are prohibited and are banned from the premises to prevent baiting which is considered cruelty to animals.

3.13    Any person who shall commit cruel acts such, as but not limited to, the neglect to provide adequate care, water, and shelter of dogs during the entire duration of the show shall be penalized accordingly.

3.14    Possession of noxious substances, cruel implements, firearms, and the like within the show area shall constitute violation of this guideline and the Animal Welfare Act; provided, however, that policemen/security guards assigned to secure and protect the show shall be exempted from the ban on carrying firearms.

3.15    Smoking in the show ring and in the rest areas of the dogs shall be strictly prohibited.

3.16    No show shall be held in the open field between 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

3.17    After every dog show, a post activity report shall be submitted by the show veterinarians to the AWD certifying compliance with applicable rules and regulations of this administrative order.

SECTION 4.       Penal Provisions. - Violation of any of the provisions of this Rules and Regulations shall be penalized in accordance with the law.

SECTION 5.       Separability Clause . - In case any provision of this Rules and Regulations is declared contrary to law and/or unconstitutional, other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be enforced and in effect.

SECTION 6.       Repealing Clause . - All Administrative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other administrative issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Regulation are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7.       Effectivity . - This Regulation shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Adopted: 31 July 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary