Village official indicted over death of dog

Manila, Philippines —The barangay tanod (village official) in Bato, Camarines Sur responsible for the death of a golden retriever has been indicted, an animal welfare group announced on Friday.

In its Facebook page, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said this meant that the case was now “People of the Philippines vs Anthony Solares” of Barangay Santa Cruz.

Back in March, PAWS filed a complaint against Solares before the Prosecutor’s Office in Naga City over the death of Killua

In a three-page resolution, Provincial Prosecution Service-Iriga Cityrosecutor Wilhenry Villar found probable cause for Solares to be charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

Villar likened the case to an 1855 case in the United States where lawyer-politician George Vest argued about pets being part of the family.

“When a neighbor killed his client’s dog, the neighbor took the life of more than just a pet– he killed an important family member,” the quote read.

PAWS also noted that even if the Office of the Prosecutor did not find any probable cause for dog-meat trading charges under the Anti-Rabies Act, Solares would be on trial for his “act of cruelty” under the Animal Welfare Act.

“The maximum penalty for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines is up to 3 years imprisonment and /or P250,000 if the convicted offender is a public officer or employee like Solares who is barangay tanod of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur,” PAWS said.

Based on the timeline PAWS posted earlier this month, back on March 17, Solares chased and hit Killua, a three-year-old golden retriever, multiple times in the head after jumping onto the streets. After being confronted, Solares claimed the dog allegedly bit people.

“Improvement of our laws is ideal but no amount of lobbying for laws will lead to the prosecution of animal offenders if there is no criminal complaint filed by witnesses of animal abuse. PAWS is ready to support and stand by concerned citizens who take action and file these complaints,” the group added.