Manila, Philippines – Social media users in the Philippines are calling for action against animal cruelty after a disturbing incident involving a dog named Killua has sparked outrage. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a non-governmental organization that provides legal assistance to pet owners and citizens in cases of animal cruelty, has been tagged by social media users seeking justice for the innocent dog.
PAWS executive director, Anna Cabrera, expressed her shock at Killua’s case, stating that the dog appeared clean and well-cared for when it was found. She emphasized the need for people to recognize that all animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
PAWS has provided legal aid to the dog’s owner, Patricia Arazas, and filed criminal complaints against the suspect under the Animal Welfare Act. The act, which PAWS played a major role in lobbying for, carries penalties of up to two years in jail and a fine of up to 100,000 Philippine pesos (US$2,394) for offenders.
Killua’s lifeless body was discovered in an area known for dog slaughter, shedding light on the illegal practice of dog meat trading in the country. While dog meat trading is prohibited in the Philippines due to the risks it poses to public health, an underground demand fuels a lucrative black-market trade. Stray dogs are rounded up and supplied to back-alley eateries, primarily in the northern Luzon region.
The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), an organization dedicated to combating the illegal dog meat trade, reports that traders could earn up to 2,000 Philippine pesos (US$35.56) for each dog they supply. PAWS, in addition to filing complaints against the suspect under the Animal Welfare Act, has also filed a criminal complaint under the anti-rabies law. This law penalizes those involved in the dog meat trade with one to four years of jail time and fines for each dog involved.
The incident involving Killua has sparked calls for stronger animal welfare laws in the Philippines. Senator Grace Poe has called for the passage of the revised Animal Welfare Act, which includes stricter penalties for animal cruelty and the establishment of an animal welfare bureau. Poe made her plea in the presence of animal welfare organizations and their dogs, marking the first time animals were allowed in the Senate.
The uproar over Killua’s case highlights the need for continued efforts to raise awareness about the proper and humane treatment of animals. As the investigation into the incident continues, PAWS expects a defense argument of self-defense, particularly as Killua tested positive for rabies. However, PAWS maintains that regardless of the test results, the dog was brutally killed in violation of guidelines that recommend containment and observation for suspected rabid animals.
The incident involving Killua serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for stricter measures to protect animals from cruelty and abuse in the Philippines. With public outrage growing, advocates and lawmakers are working together to ensure justice for Killua and push for stronger legal protections for animals in the country.