Pets now allowed inside PUVs

MANILA, Philippines — Pets are now allowed inside public utility vehicles after transport regulators amended a previous policy that prohibited operators from loading animals of any kind in PUVs.

In a memorandum dated April 15, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said pets are now allowed inside PUVs, provided that:

• The animals are in carriers/cages and placed at the designated animal compartment of the PUV should there be other passengers inside the PUV.
• Safety, convenience and comfort of the passengers are not in any way be sacrificed.
• Owners take responsibility for the damage that the pet may cause, including the cleaning and sanitation of the PUV, as may be necessary.

According to the LTFRB, its decision came following a “public clamor” from a group of pet owners, adding that authorities considered harmonizing existing policies with provisions in the Animal Welfare Act.

“If there are no passengers, pets may be allowed to be carried by the owner so long as said animals are free from foul odor and that he/she maintains cleanliness and sanitation taking into consideration the next riding passenger,” the LTFRB said. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral