Section 37Sec./Art. 37

The Provincial Veterinarian. -The provincial veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine and must have practiced for at least three (3) years the veterinary profession.

The appointment of a provincial veterinarian is mandatory.

(b) The provincial veterinarian shall perform the following duties and functions:

(1) Take charge of the office of the veterinary services, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:

(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of thesanggunianand 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;

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

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

(5) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;

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

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

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

(9) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as 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;

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

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