Section 37October 2, 2006, Sec./Art. 37

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

The appointment of a provincial veterinarian shall be mandatory,

(B) The 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 governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

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

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

(b) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;

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

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

(e) 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 human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; and

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the 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 human consumption.

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