Furparent and PAWS File Case Over Dog Poisoning
CAVITE – A furparent and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) have jointly filed a case before the Office of the Prosecutor in General Trias City concerning an alleged dog poisoning incident that led to the death of one pet. The furparent sought support from PAWS to press charges against a neighbor on Tuesday, May 20, citing malicious mischief and violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
Incident Details and Evidence
According to sources familiar with the matter, the case arose from an event in April when the neighbor expressed fear of being bitten after one of the dogs barked at her. The furparent reassured the neighbor that both dogs, named Boboy and Prince, were friendly and harmless.
However, the following day, both dogs suddenly collapsed, convulsed, and began foaming at the mouth. While Prince survived, Boboy tragically died. Investigators found a plastic bag containing something bluish along with leftover rice and fish near the dogs’ feeding area. The evidence suggested Boboy consumed most of the poisoned food.
“They saw ‘yung plastic with something bluish tapos may tirang rice, fish, na mukhang kinain ni Boboy… It was Boboy siguro who ate most of the food kaya siya ‘yung nag-pass away,” a PAWS representative said.
Barangay Investigation and Furparent’s Response
Barangay officials reviewed CCTV footage that clearly showed the neighbor approaching the furparent’s house near the gate a few hours before the incident. Although the barangay attempted to mediate between the two parties, the furparent remained determined to seek justice.
Before the poisoning, the two dogs served not only as watchdogs but also as companions to the furparent’s blind mother. The incident caused the furparent to resign from work due to concerns over safety.
Challenges in Pursuing Animal Abuse Cases
This alleged poisoning case highlights a wider issue of animal abuse in the country. In 2024 alone, PAWS received approximately 6,000 reports of animal cruelty, including high-profile cases circulating on social media. Yet, only eight of these cases have been formally filed.
Community leaders said the challenges include a lack of witnesses willing to testify, insufficient evidence, and victims opting to settle disputes quietly. “It’s either walang gustong mag-witness, walang gustong mag-step up para sabihin kung ano ‘yung nakita nila. Minsan, kulang sa evidence. Sadly, ‘yung iba, nagpapa-areglo na sila,” a PAWS official explained.
Furthermore, many who share videos online hesitate to file cases due to fear. Despite this, PAWS has filed four animal abuse cases so far this year and is actively working on more.
Legal Support and Public Involvement
PAWS emphasizes that filing animal abuse cases does not have to be expensive. The organization provides free legal assistance through volunteer lawyers and its executive director, who is also a lawyer. Complainants only need to cover transportation costs for hearings and investigations.
“Libre po lahat ‘yung legal assistance namin,” the group confirmed.
Beyond legal help, PAWS stresses the importance of public action in enforcing animal protection laws. “Ang batas natin is fair, it’s existing. Hindi naman nagkulang ang batas. Ang problem is tayo mismo, as people, ang nagkukulang to speak up and stand up for these animals para ipatupad ang batas,” community advocates pointed out.
For more news and updates on animal abuse cases, visit Filipinokami.com.