By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Four individuals, including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman, are facing charges for hanging and beating a dog to death in Brgy. Blasco, Pilar, Capiz.
The accused include a barangay tanod, the SK chairman of Brgy. Blasco, the dog owner, and the person who filmed the incident.
Atty. Ann Margaret Dy, president of the Capiz Animal Welfare Advocate Inc. (CAWAI), stated in a recent interview that they have prepared the necessary documents to file a complaint against the four individuals involved in the killing.
Dy said their investigation revealed that the individuals’ claim that the dog was rabid and dangerous was unsubstantiated. The dog was buried immediately after the killing, preventing any verification of their claim.
Despite the apology from the involved parties, Dy affirmed that CAWAI would pursue the complaint this week before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
“As of May 24, 2024, the persons involved have admitted the acts alleged of them. Because of these admissions, and considering the gravity of their offense, CAWAI, as a concerned non-governmental group, will be pursuing a complaint against them within next week before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Capiz. Rest assured that we will closely monitor the progress of this case as part of CAWAI’s commitment to protect the lives of animals and be the voice of the voiceless,” CAWAI’s statement read.
The four could be held liable for violating Republic Act No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which carries a penalty of imprisonment of not less than six months.
