LTFRB memo on pet transport vague, worrisome —PAWS exec

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on Monday said it welcomes the new government memo allowing pets in public utility vehicles (PUVs), but sought clarification regarding some "worrisome" provisions.

"Maganda sana 'to kaya lang medyo nangangamba lang kami na hindi masyadong nalinaw ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) 'yung kanilang memo," said PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Cabrera particularly said they want to be clarified on the use of the word "compartment" in the LTFRB circular.

Cabrera: Ang medyo pangamba lang namin, wala naman kasing animal compartment currently...eh ang compartment baka sabihin nilang puwede nang ilagay sa trunk o cargo hold ng mga buses.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 28, 2019

According to LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004, carriers or cages carrying the animals should be placed at the designated animal compartment of the PUV.

Cabrera said PUVs don't have designated animal compartments, stressing that the trunks of cars and cargo holds of buses should not be considered as such.

"Ang compartment baka sabihin nila puwede na ilagay sa trunk o cargo hold ng mga buses yung mga hayop," she said. "Wala namang proper ventilation dun. Mamamatay ang mga hayop dun."

Cabrera also warned that putting live animals in trunks and cargo holds of PUVs constitute animal abuse and is punishable under the law.

"In fact violation ng Animal Welfare Act ang paglagay ng hayop sa trunks. Nasa Section 4 ng Animal Welfare Act," she said.

Cabrera said the LTFRB should have consulted with animal rights advocates first before coming up with the memo.

"Yung wordings ng LTFRB sana lang nakonsulta muna sa animal welfare advocates. Medyo yung compartment nakakabahala talaga kasi baka bigla nila ilagay sa loob ng trunk [yung mga hayop]," she said.

Cabrera also expressed worry that the memo will be used in illegal activities like the selling of dogs for meat.

"Kelangan may permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry yung pag transport ng more than one pet, lalo na yung maramihan, kasi baka mamaya ito ay ginagamit sa iligal na pamamaraan tulad ng dog meat trade," she said. —KBK, GMA News