Suspected dogfighting groomer nabbed in Tarlac; 3 dogs rescued

La Paz, Tarlac – Three dogs were rescued from a suspected dogfighting groomer during a raid on his residence in Barangay Motrico on 12 July 2025.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIDG-AOCU), the operation targeted a suspect identified only as alias “Akira.” The arrest was based on a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 81 in Malolos City, Bulacan.

Presiding Judge Hermenegildo Dumlao II issued the warrant for violations of Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act, as amended by RA 10631.

The raid was conducted in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Animal Welfare Investigation Project (AWIP).

CIDG-AOCU said the suspect was allegedly involved in dogfighting and used social media to sell puppies trained and raised for illegal matches.

Authorities rescued three dogs and seized evidence from the property, including a dogfighting cage, bite stick, and other paraphernalia linked to the operation.

The suspect is currently in CIDG-AOCU custody and will face charges for violating RA 8485.