Policy on Stray Animal Management, Responsible Ownership, and the Raising and Sale of Animals at Visayas State University (BOR Resolution No. 100, s. 2025)

Policy on Stray Animal Management, Responsible Ownership, and the Raising and Sale of Animals at Visayas State University
(BOR Resolution No. 100, s. 2025)

Summary

This policy being proposed aims to address primarily the increasing challenges of stray dogs in the Visayas State University (VSU) campus. This also takes into consideration the raising of livestock (or food-producing) and other animals. Essentially, it seeks to promote public safety, animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and ecological sustainability. This policy integrates relevant legislations, including Republic Act 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007), Republic Act 10631 (Animal Welfare Act of 2013), Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and relevant materials which emphasize animal welfare and public safety. 

Rationale

The Visayas State University (VSU), the main campus, is often regarded as one of the most scenic and picturesque university campuses in the Philippines (Quacquarelli Symonds, n.d.). As a green university, it strives to maintain an environment that supports biodiversity, public health, and campus life. In recent years, however, the growing population of stray animals on campus, particularly dogs, has posed increasing challenges, including risks of zoonotic disease transmission (e.g., rabies), threats to human safety, and potential disruptions to ecological balance. At the least, unmanaged stray dog populations can interfere with community activities and the peaceful functioning of the university, underscoring the need for humane and science-based interventions. 

To address these concerns, this policy is proposed. This is grounded on existing national legislation and international standards. Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, mandates responsible pet ownership, mass rabies vaccination, and humane stray animal control, positioning rabies prevention as a national public health priority. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, 2018), effective stray dog population control requires a multi-faceted strategy, including mass rabies vaccination, sterilization, humane euthanasia where necessary, and sustained community engagement. Rabies is a preventable disease yet it continues to claim lives in the Philippines due to gaps in dog vaccination coverage, public awareness, and coordinated response (Smith et al., 2024). Their call to action highlights the crucial role that academic institutions must play—not only in education and research—but also in demonstrating leadership in local rabies prevention and animal control efforts.In a study of the University of São Paulo, Dias et al. (2013) reported that feeding practices within university campuses significantly influence the size, behavior, and spatial distribution of stray dog populations. Specifically, food availability, often provided by well-meaning individuals, contributed to the concentration and persistence of strays, highlighting the need for universities to regulate such practices to avoid unintended consequences. 

Beyond the issue of stray dogs, VSU also recognizes the need to regulate the raising and keeping of wildlife species, such as snakes and tarantulas, within the university premises. Under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, the keeping, breeding, or trade of wildlife, whether for personal, educational, or commercial purposes, requires appropriate permits from the Department of Environment andNatural Resources (DENR) or the Department of Agriculture (DA), depending on jurisdiction. Wildlife kept without valid documentation may pose risks to campus safety, public health, and biodiversity conservation. 

In addition, the raising of animals for sale, such as rabbits or other species bred in home-based or small-scale facilities, must adhere to the regulations outlined in Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by RA 10631 or the Animal Welfare Act of 2013. These laws require individuals or establishments engaged in animal breeding for sale to secure a Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and to maintain humane, sanitary, and adequate facilities to ensure animal welfare. Unregulated breeding and sale of animals may contribute to overpopulation, poor animal health, and public nuisance, particularly in a densely populated academic environment like VSU. 

This proposed policy therefore, draws upon these legal frameworks and scientific findings to establish a comprehensive and proactive approach to managing stray animals, regulating the keeping and raising of wildlife, and ensuring that any form of animal breeding and sale on campus adheres to national welfare standards. It prioritizes public safety, animal welfare, and ecological sustainability, aiming to foster a campus environment where humans, animals, and nature can coexist responsibly. 

Coverage

These policies apply to all faculty, staff, residents, students and visitors who bring or keep animals on any part of the VSU premises.

Definition of terms 

Animal Breeding and Sale: Refers to the practice of raising animals (e.g., rabbits) for sale or trade. Per RA 8485 (as amended by RA 10631), any person or entity engaged in animal breeding for sale must first secure a Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and ensure the facility is clean, adequate, and does not cause animal suffering. The certificate must be renewed annually and may be revoked for non-compliance. 

Stray Dog: Refers to dogs that are not registered, are unleashed and roaming, and are no longer under the effective control of their owner (adapted from RA 9485). This includes: (a) free-roaming owned dogs not under direct control or restriction at a particular time, and (b) free-roaming dogs with no identified owner (WOAH, 2018). 

Wildlife: Refers to wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental stages, including those in captivity or bred/propagated. This includes native and non-native species kept for personal, scientific, conservation, educational, or commercial purposes (RA 9147, Section 5x). Examples include snakes, tarantulas, monitor lizards, civet cats, and other non-domesticated animals. 

Wildlife Information: Refers to the best available scientific data or verified information used to determine whether any activity involving wildlife—such as the keeping, trade, or breeding of species like snakes or tarantulas—is detrimental to their survival or habitat. Per Section 6 of RA 9147, such activities must be evaluated and authorized by the DENR or DA, and the responsible authorities are mandated to regularly update wildlife information through research. 

Guidelines

In accordance with state and other appropriate regulations, the following responsibilities shall apply to the VSU community including all pet dog owners and other animal owners residing, studying, or working (i.e., employees, vendors, concessionaires, or tenants) within the Visayas State University (VSU) campus, and individuals who regularly bring their pets into campus or enter VSU as visitors. 

  1. Submit their dogs and other animals for mandatory registration. All pets residing in on-campus housing or frequently brought to campus must be registered with the Housing Committee. For dog registration, this shall include the pet's photos/s, vaccination record, owner's contact details, and proof of rabies vaccination. Toward this end, pet owners shall await further instructions from the VSU Housing Committee. Regular pet inventories will be conducted henceforth by the Housing Committee.
  1. For transient visitors, those who come to VSU on a short-term or infrequent basis, and bring pet dogs or cats with them, the Security and Safety Services Office (SSSO) shall request the presentation of the animal’s rabies vaccination card upon entry. 
  2. If the owner indicates that they are visiting the university for the purpose of having their pet vaccinated at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM), the SSSO must verify the updated vaccination card before the pet leaves the campus. 

To ensure proper verification, the FVM shall conduct a training session for SSSO personnel on how to evaluate the details and authenticity of rabies vaccination cards.

B. Have their dog/s regularly vaccinated against rabies and maintain a registration card which shall contain all vaccinations conducted on their dog, for accurate record purposes. To this end, pet owners may coordinate with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) for anti-rabies vaccination services and the issuance or updating of the official vaccination card. The FVM is tasked to provide services for the regular vaccination against rabies.

C. Be a responsible owner by providing their dog with proper grooming, adequate food and clean shelter. Pet owners must ensure that their animals are properly groomed, adequately fed, and kept in safe, clean, and humane living conditions. Any sick or injured animal must be reported promptly to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) or a licensed veterinary clinic. When necessary, the Security and Safety Services Office (SSSO) may conduct inspections to  verify compliance. Oversight of these responsibilities shall be led by the Housing Committee, in coordination with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Faculty of Computing.

D. Maintain control over their dog and not allow it to roam the streets or any public place without a leash. Pet owners must always keep their pets leashed or (caged or in an appropriate enclosure) in public spaces and must muzzle their dogs when necessary, particularly those dogs with a history of aggression or anxiety in crowds.

To this end, unless permitted, dogs shall not be brought into or allowed to enter the following areas: 

  • Laboratories 
  • Classrooms 
  • University Library 
  • Market areas 
  • Guest house, pavilions, fast food outlets, canteens, and food preparation areas 
  • UHS and medical facilities 
  • Offices

E. The VSU community is encouraged to report to the SSSO sightings of stray dogs especially those that are exhibiting abnormal demeanor.

F. The SSSO of VSU is tasked for the monthly humane capture of stray dogs. The protocol for this should be submitted to the TWG for review and feedback.

G. LUDIP in coordination with FVM, shall identify an area for the shelter facility for impounded dogs. The FVM is tasked to submit a plan to OVPAF, in relation to the establishment and management of the shelter facility. In addition, the Faculty of Computing in coordination with the FVM is tasked to create a database to determine the population dynamics of stray animals within VSU and assess the stray dog population to plan and monitor effective interventions. The SSSO is tasked to input into this database.

H. Within twenty-four (24) hours, report immediately any dog biting incident to the SSSO for appropriate action (i.e., for the capture of the dog) such as, but not limited to, the capture or isolation of the animal. Simultaneously, all bite or scratch incidents must also be reported to the University Health Services (UHS) for proper medical treatment and official documentation. The UHS is tasked with developing and disseminating a standard protocol for responding to such incidents.

The SSSO shall immediately notify the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) if an impounded dog exhibits changes in demeanor that may indicate rabies or other serious health risks. The FVM shall be responsible for securing and maintaining the necessary materials and equipment for the safe handling and observation of suspected rabies cases.

I. Assist the dog bite victim immediately and shoulder the medical expenses incurred and other incidental expenses relative to the victim’s injuries.

Pet owners shall fully assist bite victims and cover all medical and related expenses. The same responsibility applies in cases where a pet causes vehicular accidents due to roaming or aggressive behavior. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary or legal action.

J. Attend seminars on responsible pet ownership and other seminars related to the implementation of this policy that will be announced by the FVM, the UHS or the Housing Committee. Pet owners must attend awareness campaigns about responsible pet ownership, the risks associated with stray dogs, and the importance of humane treatment of animals, and relevant activities that will be announced by the Housing Committee.

K. Prevent pets from damaging university property.

Pets must not be allowed to damage gardens, buildings, or other campus structures, and must not harm or chase wildlife, especially in ecotourism or protected areas. 

L. Ensure proper disposal of pet waste and maintain cleanliness of the campus.

Pet owners must immediately clean up after their pets and dispose of waste properly, including in beach areas. Waste may be buried in designated grounds. Failure to comply may result in penalties or revocation of pet privileges.

M. Ensure pets do not cause noise disturbances.

Pet owners must ensure that their dogs and other animals do not create excessive or persistent noise, particularly in residential and academic areas where it may disrupt classes, work, or rest. Incidents of constant or disruptive animal noise should be reported to the Housing Committee, which shall take appropriate action in coordination with relevant university offices.

N. Report and manage aggressive pet behavior. 

Any aggressive or dangerous behavior must be reported immediately to the SSSO. Repeated aggressive incidents may result in the pet being restricted or banned from campus.

O. Comply with rules on raising wildlife

Under Section 5 (letter x) and Section 6 of RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), wildlife, including but not limited to snakes and tarantulas, whether in captivity or bred in homes, may only be kept if the owner obtains a valid Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) from the DENR. The keeping or breeding of wildlife within the campus without proper documentation and clearance is strictly prohibited.

P. Comply with rules on raising animals for sale.

In accordance with Sections 2 and 3 of RA 8485 (The Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by RA 10631), any person intending to breed or raise animals (e.g., rabbits, dogs) for sale must first secure a Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The facility must be clean, adequate, and not cause suffering to the animals. Any such activity on campus is subject to university approval and inspection, and unauthorized animal trade or backyard breeding is prohibited.

Q. Avoid unauthorized feeding 

The feeding of stray dogs and other animals within the Visayas State University (VSU) campus by students, employees, vendors, or visitors is strictly prohibited. 

Enforcement and Penalties

  • The VSU-Security and Safety Services, in coordination with the Housing Committee and Admin, shall enforce these policies. 
  • Violations may result in: Call-out the pet owners 
    • Written warnings 
    • Community service or clean-up duties 
    • Fines or administrative sanctions in accordance with existing state regulations 
    • Revocation of campus pet privileges 

Institutional Support 

VSU supports initiatives like: 

  • Free or subsidized anti-rabies vaccination campaigns 
  • Information drives on responsible pet care in coordination with Faculty of Veterinary Medicine by clusters, and digital outlets 
  • Partnerships with veterinary clinics for campus outreach 
  • Microchipping and other ID methods 

Final Provisions

  • These policies are subject to periodic review and revision by the VSU Administration in consultation with key stakeholders.
  • All members of the VSU community are enjoined to foster a responsible, compassionate, and sustainable approach to animal care.