Who do I call for concerns about wildlife and exotic pets?
The Biodiversity Management Bureau (formerly known as PAWB - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau) is the government agency tasked to handle wildlife and exotic animal concerns.
Biodiversity Management Bureau
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
Diliman, 1100 Quezon City
+(63 2) 9246031-35
+(63 2) 9240109
www.bmb.gov.ph
bmb@bmb.gov.ph
wrd@bmb.gov.ph
Biodiversity Management Bureau
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
Diliman, 1100 Quezon City
+(63 2) 9246031-35
+(63 2) 9240109
www.bmb.gov.ph
bmb@bmb.gov.ph
wrd@bmb.gov.ph
Is it legal to keep exotic animals? What can I do to help the exotic animal in my neighbor's care?
Complaints about exotic animals in Metro Manila fall under NCR Regional Office and should be forwarded to the Chief of Biodiversity Management Bureau or BDM (formerly PAWB- Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau). Please make sure you have concrete information because one will have to submit a detailed written complaint/report about the owner of the animal (name, address, contact info), the location where animal is kept, time and place of observations, etc. (Please send to us through email: philpaws@paws.org.ph the name & designation of the person you spoke to as well as the circumstances of the report so we can help you follow-up.)
You may check with the BMB (Biodiversity Management Bureau) at tel. # 924-6031 or DENR at tel #. 435-2509 if the person who has the animal has the proper permits.
DENR and BAI-AWD (Bureau of Animal Industry - Animal Welfare Division) issues permits for exotic animals for zoos, animal parks, breeding, export, conservation and if one is in the scientific/research field.
If person has no permit (or even if the person has a permit but conditions violate the Animal Welfare Act), the animal may be confiscated by BMB. Confiscated animals will be confined in their Wildlife Rescue Center but it may be better to help educate the owner to provide improved living conditions and care instead. (Refer to FAQ: WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS NEGLECT - option #1)
PAWS can assist with filing charges of animal cruelty or neglect against the owner of the exotic animal IF the concerned citizen reporting to PAWS is willing to submit all information and witness affidavit. (Refer to FAQ: HOW TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY)
Related links:
PAWS' Statement of Policies on zoos, animal experimentation, etc.
Why Wild Animals Do Not Make Good Pets
FOR REFERENCE ON WILDLIFE
"Please note that not all wildlife needs rescuing. Sometimes, wildlife is just naturally drawn towards human habitation in search for food especially if your area has a nearby forest, river or any wild habitat.
What to do during a wildlife encounter:
1) Do not touch or approach. Most wildlife simply go back to their habitats when left alone.
2) If the animal is injured or dangerous, you may then contact DENR or BMB.
By observing these guidelines, we can reduce stress to the animals and overpopulation in wildlife centers."
Source: Born to be Wild
What to do during a wildlife encounter:
1) Do not touch or approach. Most wildlife simply go back to their habitats when left alone.
2) If the animal is injured or dangerous, you may then contact DENR or BMB.
By observing these guidelines, we can reduce stress to the animals and overpopulation in wildlife centers."
Source: Born to be Wild
Here's a directory of rescue centers in the Philippines courtesy of Born To Be Wild.
