A 10-month-old dog named Butod was shot dead in Dumangas, Iloilo, leading to public outcry and calls for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.
Butod was discovered with severe gunshot wounds in a rice field, prompting his owner, Ernel Dimzon, to seek justice.
Dimzon reported that a worker at his fish pond heard the gunfire and found Butod injured.
May tao ako dito sa palaisdaan. Pagbalik raw niya, may narinig siyang putok ng baril sa kabilang bahay. Baka raw aso ko iyon. Diyan na siya natagpuan. Ang laki ng bala.
Ernel Dimzon, Owner
Dimzon has lodged a report with local barangay officials and intends to file charges against the unidentified shooter.
Local Authorities Respond to Rising Cases of Animal Cruelty
Analyn Dungon, head of Barangay Ermita, affirmed that the local government does not tolerate animal cruelty.
Hindi namin tino-tolerate kasi may batas tayong bawal talaga na patayin ang aso.
Analyn Dungon, Barangay Chief
Recent months have seen a spike in reported animal cruelty incidents in Iloilo, prompting local police to prioritize these cases.
Lt. Col. Arnel Solis from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office emphasized the importance of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act.
Binibigyan na iyan natin ng priority. It’s because ang Animal Welfare Act is a national law and we are obligated na mag-implement niyan.
Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, Iloilo Police Provincial Office
Animal welfare advocates, like Clarissa Decena, remind the public that harming animals is punishable by law.
Bale, Animal Welfare Act, may part na hindi pwedeng manakit at mang-torture ng mga aso. Hindi rin sila dapat pabayaan o i-maltrato.
Clarissa Decena, Animal Welfare Advocate