PNP urges victims: File complaints vs pet crematorium

The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged pet owners on Tuesday to formally file complaints and submit transaction records following the discovery of 29 dead dogs and cats allegedly dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said affected owners should come forward to help investigators establish alleged fraudulent transactions involving a pet crematorium based in Bacoor City, Cavite.

“Any form of deception that exploits the trust of grieving pet owners is deeply concerning and must be addressed with the full force of the law,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez directed police units in Bulacan and Cavite to assist investigators in identifying who transported and dumped the animal remains.

Authorities are reviewing business permits, surveillance footage along the suspected route of a white van seen near the site, and operating procedures at the Bacoor facility. Forensic tests will also determine whether returned ashes were authentic.

Potential charges include estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, syndicated estafa and violations of the Sanitation Code, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Consumer Act.

Nartatez advised complainants to preserve receipts, cremation certificates and communication logs.

“Fraud is not measured solely by the amount of money taken, but also by the damage inflicted on the people whose trust has been betrayed,” Nartatez added.

In a separate animal welfare case, police arrested a 34-year-old man on Tuesday for allegedly stabbing a dog with a 15-inch kitchen knife and attacking a responding police officer in Barangay Cembo, Taguig City.

Barangay personnel summoned police after the suspect allegedly attacked the dog along J.P. Rizal Extension.

Responding officers from Sub-Station 11 of the Taguig City Police Station pursued the suspect, who allegedly hurled a large rock at responders and attempted to stab an officer, causing minor injuries. Officers subdued the suspect and recovered the weapon.

The wounded dog survived and was returned to its owner. Both the suspect and the injured officer received medical treatment at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, with the suspect remaining in police custody.