Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has joined the call to fully investigate and file necessary criminal charges into recent cases of dog cruelty, warning that the commercial slaughter of dogs carries heavy penalties under Philippine law.
Magalong emphasized that local authorities will strictly enforce Republic Act No. 10631, also known as the Animal Welfare Act.
“Meron tayong tinatawag na batas, ito’y Republic Act No. 10631,” Magalong said.
“Nagbigay na ako ng instruction na talagang imbestigahan at the same time i-file ang case,” he added.
The mayor’s directive comes amid renewed public outrage following recent incidents of alleged dog meat trading in nearby Benguet province.
In a separate case on July 12, a 44-year-old resident was reported for allegedly butchering three dogs in Barangay Kias, Baguio.
Magalong stressed that offenders face stiffer consequences if animals are slaughtered for profit.
“Mabigat ang kaso lalo kung ang pagpatay ay pang-negosyo,” Magalong said.
Republic Act No. 10631, which amended the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, penalizes animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and unlawful killing. Offenses resulting in an animal’s death carry penalties of 18 months to two years in prison and fines of up to P100,000.
Magalong assured the public that city hall will closely track the legal proceedings to ensure offenders face justice.
“Ipapa-monitor ko closely, siguraduhin ko na makakasuhan talaga yung may sala,” he said. Rommel Fangot Jr. | UC Intern
