BAGUIO CITY — Just after the Local Government Unit of Sadanga, Mountain Province, expressed its condemnation of the killing of an American Bully by one of its staff and pronounced that appropriate charges are being readied against the perpetrator, the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) called for full accountability.

On 9 December 2025, the LGU issued a clarification regarding the identity of the person involved in the widely condemned killing of a dog named "Axle," stating the perpetrator is a municipal staff driver and not an elected councilor, as initially rumored on social media. The clarification comes as the incident draws intense public scrutiny and elicits a strong response from animal welfare advocates.

The incident happened on 4 December 2025.

The AKF, along with other concerned groups, issued an "Open Letter in Honor of Axle" addressed to the general public, Sadanga LGU, and others. AKF explicitly called for the full application of Republic Act 8485 (The Animal Welfare Act of 1998), as amended by RA 10631, against the person responsible.

"AKF respectfully appeals to the general public, the Local Government Unit of Sadanga, Mountain Province, the Mamamayan Retirco, and its law enforcement to ensure that the Animal Welfare Act... is fully upheld," the letter reads. The foundation lamented the "cruel and deliberate division" of Axle's life and stressed that the incident is a stark reminder that justice, compassion, and sensitivity must guide all matters concerning life.

They emphasized that Axle's case is a resounding message that animal lives matter. The foundation stressed that while the LGU's clarification addresses the misinformation surrounding the official capacity of the individual, it does not diminish the gravity of the offense.

"While we respect the right of individuals to pursue amicable settlement as a form of dispute resolution, we must not forget that dogs like Axle are not mere property," stated the AKF.

The foundation recognized Sadanga for its strong traditions, unity, and sense of dignity.

"Upholding animal welfare does not diminish cultural values but rather strengthens them," the AKF states. The organization also stressed that protecting the voiceless is a reflection of moral leadership and cultural integrity.

The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are facing pressure to ensure the full weight of the law is applied.

The brutal nature of the attack, which reportedly led to Axle's death, has deeply affected the local community and the wider public. Animal welfare advocates are now closely monitoring developments to ensure the municipal staff driver is held accountable under the Animal Welfare Act, which penalizes acts of cruelty against animals.

The AKF also called on all Filipinos to stand in solidarity with the cause and to continue the conversation about animal welfare in every home and community.