By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Police are urging the public to report animal abuse incidents immediately to barangay officials or law enforcement before posting them on social media to ensure authorities can act swiftly and preserve evidence for investigation.
Authorities are currently investigating two cases of dog abuse involving dart arrow attacks in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Police Major Sherwin Fernandez, chief of Murcia police, said they have persons of interest in the case of a dog named Tiktok. However, they need a witness to obtain concrete evidence before filing charges.
At this stage, police only have circumstantial evidence and cannot determine where Tiktok was before being shot with arrows. Fernandez assured that efforts to identify the perpetrators are ongoing.
Fernandez noted that some dogs enter private properties, which may cause fear or harm to residents.
He emphasized the importance of understanding dogs’ personalities and how they are treated by their owners.
He also stressed that while some pets may roam freely or be neglected, animal cruelty is never justified.
Tiktok’s story went viral after being rescued in Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia, by Bach Project PH, an animal welfare group.
The dog had been shot with five arrows from an Indian target.
A monetary reward has been offered to help identify the culprits, with Mayor Gerry Rojas pledging PHP10,000 and private donors contributing to the cause.
In the same week, Bach Project PH reported that another dog, Buldog, was attacked with a dart arrow in Murcia.
The owner, unable to afford veterinary care, had to remove the arrow with a hammer.
The group launched a donation drive to help cover Buldog’s medical expenses.
Buldog is receiving treatment at Juan Veterinarian – Bacolod, the same clinic where Tiktok is being treated.
Fernandez said the second incident occurred in a different barangay and assured that police are working with dog owners to officially document both cases.
Bach Project PH also reported that two abused kittens are under care at the same clinic.
One kitten was stabbed in the eye with a barbecue stick for simply trying to take a small piece of food.
The group expressed deep sorrow and vowed to continue fighting for justice.
“Imagine being punished so brutally for simply trying to survive. It’s gut-wrenching to see how cruel and evil some people can be. We will never stop fighting for them. Justice must be served,” the group stated.
While these incidents are troubling, Fernandez said they are not considered alarming at this stage.
He reminded pet owners to be responsible and warned abusers that they could face charges under Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
