5 Things to Do if Your Dog Was Killed in the Philippines

On March 17th, a devastating event occurred in the Philippines involving Killua, a three-year-old Golden Retriever. The beloved dog was found brutally beaten to death, and his body discarded inside a sack in Camarines Sur. This cruel act of violence against an innocent pet has not only shocked his fur parent, Vina but has also stirred a nationwide outcry, with people demanding #JusticeForKillua across various social media platforms.

The severity of the situation was further highlighted by CCTV footage that captured the horrifying assault on Killua. This evidence has made the incident incredibly distressing, leading to a strong reaction from the public and legislators. The community’s response has been one of both grief and anger as Filipinos come together to seek justice for Killua and push for measures to prevent such brutal acts against animals in the future.

Navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming when faced with the heart-wrenching loss of a pet due to tragic circumstances. Understanding the legal and practical steps to address the situation is crucial for seeking justice for your beloved companion and finding a sense of closure and peace. This blog post aims to guide pet owners through the essential actions to take, shedding light on the legal recourse available and the supportive measures to help cope with the emotional toll of such a loss.

Here are the five things you should do if your dog is killed in the Philippines:
1. Reach out to barangay officials.
2. File a report with the PNP.
3. Secure evidence.
4. Seek legal advice.
5. Find emotional support.

It’s crucial to know that there are steps you can take to seek justice for your beloved pet and potentially prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Here’s a guide on what to do after your dog has been killed, focusing on reporting animal cruelty in the Philippines.

1. Reach Out to Barangay Officials

The first crucial step in addressing this situation involves contacting local barangay officials. These community leaders are pivotal in resolving neighborhood issues and can significantly aid in the proper documentation and initial action on the incident. 

Each barangay has a specific contact number, which you can find at the office or on their official Facebook page. Visiting the barangay office in person is highly recommended for a more immediate response and action. This direct approach ensures your case is promptly given the attention it requires, facilitating a faster initiation of any necessary procedures.

2. File a Report with the Philippine National Police (PNP)

After informing your barangay officials, the next vital step is to file a report with the PNP. While calling the National Emergency Hotline at 911 is an option, it’s important to note that doing so might inadvertently add to your distress due to potential wait times or procedural delays. 

For a more efficient and possibly less stressful experience, consider filing the report directly at your local police station. If you have the station’s contact number, calling them directly can lead to a quicker response. This approach ensures your case is promptly logged with law enforcement and initiates the investigation process more smoothly.

3. Secure Evidence

Securing evidence plays a critical role in building a strong case against the individual responsible for harming your dog. It’s essential to meticulously document the scene where the incident occurred, capturing clear and detailed photographs or videos of your dog’s injuries and any other relevant elements that could support your case. 

Beyond visual documentation, gather and record any available witness accounts of the incident; these testimonies can significantly bolster the credibility of your claim. Collect these witnesses’ contact information, as their statements might be needed for further investigation or during legal proceedings. 

This comprehensive collection of evidence will serve as the foundation of your case, enabling authorities and legal professionals to understand the circumstances better and hold the perpetrator accountable.

4. Seek Legal Advice

Seeking legal advice is crucial in ensuring your case is handled with the expertise and sensitivity it deserves. An attorney specializing in animal rights law can navigate the intricate legal system on your behalf, offering clarity on your rights and the best course of action. They can guide you through the complexities of legal proceedings, from filing an official complaint to representing your interests in court, ensuring your case is presented effectively. 

For those who may not have the resources to hire a private attorney, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in the Philippines provides free legal assistance to indigent and low-income individuals, including cases related to animal welfare. Additionally, organizations like the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) can offer support and advice, leveraging their expertise in animal rights to assist you further in pursuing justice for your dog.

Contact PAWS here: https://paws.org.ph/contact/

5. Find Emotional Support

The emotional toll of losing a pet in such a tragic manner can be profound, often accompanied by feelings of injustice and anger. During these challenging times, it’s vital to acknowledge the weight of your emotions and the importance of seeking support. 

Friends and family can offer a comforting presence, but reaching out to a professional counselor is particularly beneficial for processing the complex emotions tied to the loss and perceived injustice. A counselor specialized in grief can provide you with coping strategies and therapeutic techniques to navigate through the intense sorrow, anger, and sense of unfairness you may be experiencing. 

Penalties for Killing or Harming Dogs in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the law clearly states the consequences of subjecting animals, including dogs, to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect. Based on Section 9 of Republic Act No. 10631, which amends The Animal Welfare Act of 1998, penalties are determined by the animal’s condition as a result of such actions. Here’s a simplified overview of the penalties involved:

• If the dog dies due to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect:
  • Imprisonment: From 1 year and 6 months up to 2 years
  • And/or a fine not exceeding ₱100,000
    
• If the dog survives but is severely injured (requiring human intervention for survival):
  • Imprisonment: From 1 year and 1 day up to 1 year and 6 months
  • And/or a fine not exceeding ₱50,000
    
• For acts of cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect without causing death or severe injury:
  • Imprisonment: From 6 months up to 1 year
  • And/or a fine not exceeding ₱30,000

These penalties emphasize the importance of animal welfare and the legal obligations of individuals to treat animals with care and respect. Violating these laws harms the animals and carries significant legal consequences for the perpetrators.

Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

What if the Dog Was Killed Following a Bite Incident?

In the Philippines, laws concerning animal welfare and dog attacks aim to protect both humans and animals, emphasizing responsible pet ownership and public safety. The legal system does not permit dog killing following a bite incident. Instead, it focuses on preventing such situations through the responsibilities outlined for pet owners under Republic Act No. 10631 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended) and R.A. 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007). These acts mandate pet registration, rabies vaccination, and proper control over pets to mitigate risks to others. They also detail penalties for owners failing to meet these obligations, especially in cases where their dog inflicts harm.

Self-defense is recognized legally but does not extend to retaliatory measures against animals post-incident. The approach advocated by the law involves seeking legal recourse to address grievances and holding pet owners accountable for injuries or damages caused by their animals.

Consequently, rather than resorting to extreme measures against animals, affected individuals are guided to pursue compensation and justice through established legal processes. This stance reinforces the commitment to balancing safety with animal welfare, discouraging acts of retribution while promoting resolution via appropriate channels.

Advocating for Stronger Animal Protection Laws

The welfare of animals in the Philippines is a pressing concern that requires collective action from all sectors of society. Here’s how Filipinos can get involved in animal welfare advocacy and support the cause for stronger animal protection laws:

1. Educate Yourself and Others About Animal Rights: Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with existing animal welfare laws in the Philippines, such as the Animal Welfare Act 1998 (Republic Act No. 8485) and its amendments. Share this knowledge through social media, blogs, or community talks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting animals.
   
2. Support the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS): PAWS has been promoting the humane treatment of animals since 1954. Contributing to PAWS, whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in their campaigns, helps strengthen their initiatives towards animal welfare and the fight against animal cruelty.
   
3. Participate in Public Awareness Campaigns: Join campaigns organized by PAWS and other animal welfare organizations. These campaigns aim to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, the evils of animal cruelty, and the need for stronger animal protection laws.
   
4. Advocate for Legislative Changes: Contact your local representatives and express your support for enacting stricter animal welfare laws. Encourage discussions on this topic within your community and use social media platforms to garner more support for legislative changes.
   
5. Report Cases of Animal Cruelty: Be vigilant and report animal cruelty cases to authorities or organizations like PAWS. Evidence and detailed information can help rescue animals in distress and hold perpetrators accountable under the law.
   
6. Promote Responsible Pet Ownership: Educate people around you about the responsibilities of owning pets, including proper care, regular vaccinations, and spaying or neutering to prevent overpopulation.
   
7. Adopt, Don’t Shop: If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, consider adopting from a shelter instead of buying from pet stores or breeders. This will support the rescue community and help reduce the demand for commercially bred animals.
   

By taking these steps, Filipinos can significantly advocate for stronger animal protection laws and ensure a safer, more compassionate environment for all animals in the Philippines.