Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 2595, known as the Proper Aftercare and Memorialization of Pets’ Remains (PAMPER) Act, to establish uniform regulations for pet crematoriums and aftercare providers across the country.
The legislation was prompted by an incident in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, where authorities discovered the remains of 29 animals—26 dogs and three cats—stuffed in plastic bags and abandoned along a roadside. The discovery was linked to a pet aftercare provider operating out of Bacoor, Cavite, exposing regulatory gaps in how deceased companion animals are handled.
Highlighting the emotional toll on pet owners, Villar emphasized the need for dignified handling.
“Nauunawaan natin ang sakit na nararamdaman ng bawat furmom at furdad sa pagkawala ng kanilang minamahal na furbabies. Ang ating mga alaga ay bahagi na ng ating pamilya, kaya nararapat lamang na matiyak na ang huling paalam sa kanila ay may dignidad, malasakit, at paggalang,” Villar said.
Proposed Standards and Inter-Agency Oversight
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry will partner with the Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Trade and Industry to formulate national accreditation standards and operating guidelines.
Local government units will handle business licensing and maintain registries of authorized providers. Facilities will be required to comply with strict protocols regarding sanitation, storage, handling, transportation, chain of custody, environmental protection, and transparent pricing.
To ensure compliance, national agencies and LGUs will conduct routine and surprise inspections. Facilities found in violation risk license suspension or revocation. Operating without proper accreditation will carry fines ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000.
Penalties for Improper Disposal
The bill also introduces escalating criminal penalties for unauthorized dumping, abandonment, or improper handling of animal remains:
- First Offense: Imprisonment of one to two years and/or a fine of at least ₱100,000.
- Second Offense: Imprisonment of two to five years and/or a fine of at least ₱250,000.
- Third and Subsequent Offenses: Imprisonment of five to 10 years and a fine of at least ₱500,000.
Villar stressed that the bill aims to eliminate predatory practices during times of grief.
“Ang pagpanaw ng ating mga alagang hayop ay isa nang mabigat na pagsubok para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Hindi dapat samantalahin ang kanilang pagmamahal at tiwala, lalo na sa panahong nagluluksa sila. We owe every furmom, furdad, and family the assurance that the furbabies entrusted to these service providers will be treated with care, dignity and respect,” Villar said.