Outrage is sweeping through Sadanga, Mountain Province, after a municipal official was allegedly caught on CCTV brutally killing an American Pitbull named Axle during a community gathering on 4 December 2025.
The disturbing footage—now viral on social media—shows scenes that contradict any claim that the dog posed a danger. In the video, Axle can be seen calm and non-aggressive, even as two young children stand near him. The dog is also shown peacefully interacting with another pet moments before the incident.
The situation escalated abruptly when a man, reported to be a municipal official, approached Axle wielding a piece of wood and began striking the animal without provocation. Axle attempted to flee, but the man continued to chase and hit the dog.
Audible in the footage are Axle’s cries, as well as the desperate pleas of the person believed to be the owner, who begged for the assault to stop. Despite this, the beating continued. The dog later died from the injuries sustained.
The video’s circulation has triggered widespread condemnation, both from residents of Sadanga and from animal welfare advocates nationwide. Many have labeled the act as blatant animal cruelty and are demanding accountability.
Local residents and online commenters are urging the police to launch a swift and thorough investigation, file appropriate criminal charges, and enforce the provisions of Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by RA 10631—The Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
They are also calling on the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to intervene, and on the local government unit of Sadanga to conduct an internal inquiry and impose administrative sanctions on the official involved.
“The video clearly shows Axle was not posing a threat,” one resident commented. “This official has shown an unacceptable lack of humanity. We need justice for Axle, and this man should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”