Section 36Sec./Art. 36

The Provincial Veterinarian. (a) No person shall be appointed provincial veterinarian unless he or she is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character and a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. He or she must have practiced his or her profession for at least three (3) years.

The appointment of a provincial veterinarian shall be mandatory.

(b) The provincial veterinarian shall take charge of the office for veterinary services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the veterinary-related activities which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the provincial veterinarian shall:

(i) Advise the provincial governor on all matters pertaining to the slaughter of animals for human consumption and the regulation of slaughterhouses;

(ii) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;

(iii) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public consumption;

(iv) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty to animals; and

(v) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of animal diseases;

(4) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as in the outbreak of highly contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of animals for work and for human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; and

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other matters relative to veterinary services which will increase the number and improve the quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or for human consumption.

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.