Village official indicted over death of dog

MANILA, Philippines —The barangay tanod (village official) in Bato, Camarines Sur responsible for the death of a golden retriever has been indicted, an animal welfare group announced on Friday.

In its Facebook page, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said this meant that the case was now «People of the Philippines vs Anthony Solares» of Barangay Santa Cruz.

Back in March, PAWS filed a complaint against Solares before the Prosecutor's Office in Naga City over the death of Killua.

In a three-page resolution, Provincial Prosecution Service-Iriga Cityrosecutor Wilhenry Villar found probable cause for Solares to be charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

Villar likened the case to an 1855 case in the United States where lawyer-politician George Vest argued about pets being part of the family.

«When a neighbor killed his client's dog, the neighbor took the life of more than just a pet– he killed an important family member,» the quote read.

PAWS also noted that even if the Office of the Prosecutor did not find any probable cause for dog-meat trading charges under the Anti-Rabies Act, Solares would be on trial for his «act of cruelty» under the Animal Welfare Act.

Advertisement

«The maximum penalty for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines is up to 3 years imprisonment and /or P250,000 if the convicted offender is a public officer or employee like Solares who is barangay tanod of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur,» PAWS said.

Based on the timeline PAWS posted earlier this month, back on March 17, Solares chased and hit Killua, a three-year-old golden retriever, multiple times in the head after jumping onto the streets. After being confronted, Solares claimed the dog allegedly bit people.

Killua's owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, posted on Facebook that she found his lifeless body inside a sack. Videos of the discovery can be found on her Facebook handle.

«No one is above the law. Those who harm animals also pose a threat to people and society as a whole. Reporting such crimes and pursuing legal action is vital in preventing further violence and creating a safe world for animals and humans,» PAWS said.

Advertisement

«Improvement of our