Stronger animal welfare law eyed amid outrage
Stunned by a recent incident involving the dumping of cat carcasses in Bulacan, Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima urged members of Congress to prioritize legislative measures to reform and strengthen laws protecting animals.
“Absolutely disturbing and despicable!” De Lima said, describing Luna and Furry Siblings’ findings in an abandoned lot in San Jose del Monte City on 30 October.
The animal welfare advocate found 29 carcasses of dogs and cats being “thrown away like trash” in the area, prompting a civil investigation to identify the individuals behind the incident.
Most of the animals that were found were reportedly placed in bags that indicated their respective names and weight, leading the foundation and netizens online to believe that the cadavers were once members of a family.
De Lima, for her part, questioned how someone could have committed “such an evil act against innocent souls,” noting that it was already difficult enough for families to bear the loss of their pets.
Not trash to dispose of
“They are not trash that can be simply thrown away! They don’t know, they don’t understand the grief of losing a pet that was considered family,” she wrote on a social media post on Sunday.
“This kind of violence should never be tolerated,” she added.
The lawmaker, once the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, called on authorities to identify the individuals who were behind the tragic crime.
As a member of the House of Representatives, De Lima said it was equally important for her fellow lawmakers to ensure a more comprehensive and stricter law that promotes animals’ rights and welfare in the country.
De Lima appealed for consideration of her proposed Animal Welfare Enforcement Act and the Revised Animal Welfare Act, which she believes could end violence against animals while spreading information on the proper treatment of pets.
“Justice for the 29 furbabies! Justice for the families!” her post concluded.
Animal crematory shut down
On Saturday, Bulacan City Mayor Strike Revilla ordered the suspension of the business permit of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, the establishment authorities have linked to the dumping of the 29 animal carcasses in San Jose del Monte.
Revilla said in a social media post that they met with the crematorium service provider and 30 pet owners to seek answers about the troubling finding.
Ahjay Paws reportedly said it had two separate crematorium machines in Caloocan and Bacoor but could not provide substantial proof that the cremations were actually carried out.
The company owners also could not confirm whether the animals in the viral post were entrusted to their service.
Revilla further said the service providers failed to certify that the ashes returned to pet owners were, in fact, their pets’ remains.
In light of the revelations, the mayor said some pet owners sought financial compensation for the damages incurred from the incident.
Other affected parties also reportedly sought help from the Philippine National Police to file criminal charges against Ahjay Paws.