Owning a parrot can be a rewarding experience, but before getting one as a pet, it is important to understand the legal requirements for keeping parrots in the Philippines. While parrots are popular companion animals in many parts of the world, there are specific regulations regarding parrot ownership and trade in the Philippines that prospective owners need to be aware of.
Overview of Parrot Ownership Laws in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the ownership and trade of parrots and other wildlife is regulated under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This law outlines the rules for acquiring, possessing, transporting, and breeding protected species, including many parrot species. Here are some key things to know about parrot ownership under Philippine law:
- A permit is required to possess, transport, or breed most parrot species. This includes popular pet species like cockatoos, macaws, Amazons, and conures.
- The permit must be obtained before acquiring the parrot.
- Only captive-bred specimens can be possessed with a permit. Taking protected wildlife from the wild is illegal.
- Parrot owners must be able to provide proper caging facilities and care.
- Permits are issued by the Philippine Wildlife Management Authority.
- Violations may result in fines and imprisonment.
So in summary, individuals must obtain the proper permits from the Wildlife Authority first before acquiring most species of parrots as pets in the Philippines. Simply purchasing or capturing a parrot without this permit would be considered illegal possession.
Parrot Species Allowed as Pets without a Permit
While a permit is required for most parrots, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Here are some parrot species that can be legally possessed as pets without a permit in the Philippines:
- Budgerigars
- Cockatiels
- Lovebirds
- Parrotlets
These smaller parrot species are not protected under the Wildlife Act, so they can be freely bred and sold as pets. However, prospective owners should still ensure they are purchasing captive-bred birds rather than taking them from the wild, which would still be illegal.
How to Get a Permit for Protected Parrot Species
For those hoping to keep protected parrot species like macaws, cockatoos, or lories as pets, a permit must be obtained first from the Wildlife Management Authority. Here is an overview of the permit application process:
- Contact the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) to obtain a permit application form.
- Submit the completed application along with required documents like identification, caging plans, etc.
- Pay the permit application fee, which is around 500 Philippine pesos.
- Undergo an inspection of housing facilities by PAWB officers.
- If facilities are adequate, the permit may be approved and issued to the applicant.
The entire permitting process can take several weeks or longer. Applicants should be prepared to provide details on their qualifications, housing setup, and source of the parrots. Authorities will want to ensure protected parrots are being sourced legally from accredited breeders.
Responsibilities of Parrot Owners
Once a permit is obtained, parrot owners must continue to follow regulations and properly care for their birds. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing an adequately sized cage, proper diet, enrichment and veterinary care.
- Keeping complete and accurate records of breeding, sales or transfers.
- Allowing periodic inspections by PAWB officers.
- Obtaining permission before transporting or transferring the parrot.
- Reporting any escapes, injuries, deaths or veterinary disease testing.
- Renewing the permit annually.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in fines, confiscation of birds, and cancellation of the permit. Parrot owners must take their duties seriously to remain compliant with the law.
Penalties for Violating Parrot Laws
There are substantial penalties for violating the Philippines’ wildlife laws regarding parrots and other protected species. Some offenses and associated penalties include:
| Offense | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| Possessing a parrot without a permit | 6 months – 1 year imprisonment and/or fine up to PHP200,000 |
| Trading a parrot without a permit | 1-2 years imprisonment and/or fine up to PHP500,000 |
| Capturing a protected parrot from the wild | 2-4 years imprisonment and/or fine up to PHP1 million |
These examples demonstrate that violating parrot regulations can potentially lead to stiff fines and jail time in the Philippines. It is not something to be taken lightly.
Conclusion
Owning a parrot can make for a wonderful companion animal, but acquiring and keeping parrots as pets does not come without restrictions in the Philippines. With the exception of a few unregulated species like budgies and cockatiels, most parrots require permits that must be obtained before acquiring the bird. Even with the proper permits, owners must uphold their responsibilities for humane care and monitoring of captive parrots. Failure to follow regulations can lead to serious penalties, so prospective owners should fully understand their obligations under the law. Overall, while owning a parrot in the Philippines is possible, it involves careful adherence to the country’s wildlife protection policies.
