SIBALOM, Antique – Through social media, residents of Barangay Nazareth appealed for help and demanded justice to their dogs that were killed by poisoning over the weekend by unknown perpetrators.
At least 10 dogs were killed. They were fed with food laced with an unknown chemical.
The dogs vomited hard before they died.
Clarisa Decena Castro of the Center for Living Animals Rehab and Shelter (CLARS) and Animal Kingdom Foundation responded to the call.
Castro and her team, along with this writer, had a dialogue with Sibalom’s Mayor Gian Carlo Occeña and Municipal Agriculturist Albert Estoya.
The local government has an existing ordinance impounding stray dogs.
While barangays are also tasked to go after stray dogs and impound them, Occeña stressed this must not be done in a violent or barbaric way like poisoning.
The mayor said he will discuss the concerns of Sibalom residents, particularly of Barangay Nazareth’s, in the next meetingof the Liga ng mga Barangay.
Estoya, on the other hand, sent one of his staff to accompany Castro’s team and to Barangay Nazareth to help investigate the dog killings.
Barangay officials of Nazareth denied having a hand in the dog killings. They said they only encouraged their constituents to leash or cage their dogs.
The also promised to cooperate in the investigation and provide security camera footages to Castro’s group.
Castro’s group, on the other hand, offered P10,000 reward to whoever could provide information leading to the identification and arrest of dog killers.
Those responsible for the killings may face charges for violating the Animal Welfare Act./PN
