LTFRB Now Allows Pets in PUVs
Good news pet parents!
You can now bring your fur babies with you in public vehicles as Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allows pet animals in Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) effective April 15.
IMAGE Faye Almazan
As per the amended provision on Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004 with MC 2019-019, pet animals are allowed in PUVs provided that the following conditions are met:
- Should there be other passengers inside the PUV, pets should be inside carriers or cages and are placed at the “designated animal compartment of the vehicle”;
- If there are no other passengers, pets may be allowed to be carried by their owners as long as their cleanliness and sanitation are maintained and they are free from any foul odor. Furthermore, pet owners shall be held responsible for the damage that the pet may cause, including the cleaning and sanitation of the PUV, as may be necessary; and
- Safety, convenience, and comfort of the passengers shall not be sacrificed in any way.
IMAGE Yana Bautista
LTFB has yet to clarify the “designated animal compartment of the vehicle” as Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), reminded that it is illegal to hold animals in trunks or the cargo area in an interview with NewsTV.
Section 4 of the Republic Act No. 8485, known as the Animal Welfare Act, states “no cruel confinement or restraint shall be made on such animals while being transported.” In the meantime, it is understood that it is up to the PUV operators to set a designated animal compartment or area.
In addition. LTFRB has yet to clarify the general term “pets” as there are in existence insects, reptiles, and amphibians that are being kept and pets.
https://www.facebook.com/ltfrb.central.office/photos/a.1417559258485998/2297356553839593/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDUbMlpcWIiM6hMZ3jmjWE8e6YCZCX5jXeyoBKbWWE_TSWZ4x7Ov8Qcu1zBp6qrSPcXZpYVqzknL19OtSB68uWRSPrMq-zM-Zfs9CU4TO5GY_tjVjOkIvfwjuscsnIjb34uMwlNZJcjrlGYYh7IW3OntT99ruO7JCJ1uB3Jto-A2y4-ArePeH51QgM46aCoyQko9k7EJ3x0SRlEp9sZ7P0vtkNcqmnlWYRiT8Dgj_8UxZ_RcbUlT0yRhzCZrLKhnoJJRalZdh05iSLoW7bAyzF5Pe5suSh9DfRp_rN7TxH8xwOPidyw8a2aOr2Kkf_yIB4SeUvNMN4a1KJ5w7dvBtq-aGMB&__tn__=-R
Amendments were made due to the insistent public appeal to the board to allow pet animals inside public transport vehicles. To read the full copy of the amended memorandum, you may visit LTFRB’s website.
Also read: 6 Pet Care Tips This Summer That You Should Know About
Sources: LTFRB, Rappler, GMA News
