Animal welfare groups, netizens, and public figures are calling for justice after the remains of more than 20 dogs and cats were discovered dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
The controversy stemmed from a now-viral Facebook post by Bulacan-based animal welfare group Luna and Furry Siblings, which documented the discovery of at least 25 deceased dogs and cats at the mass dumping site.
In its initial post, the group said it stopped to investigate a strong odor of decomposition coming from the vacant lot, where a local barangay vehicle was already present.
“Upon checking further, we discovered a mass dumping site containing at least 25 deceased dogs and cats. According to nearby residents, 5 large sacks containing these 25 animals have been sitting dumped in the vacant lot for 3 days now,” the group shared.
It added that each animal had been placed in an individual bag labeled with its name and weight, noting that several of them were purebred dogs and cats.
“They were thrown away like trash […] and they deserve immediate answers,” the group wrote in a separate post.
Following the discovery, Luna and Furry Siblings sought to locate the possible owners of the animals. The group later announced that all the remains had been claimed and that it had coordinated with local authorities which prompted an investigation into a pet crematorium allegedly involved in the incident.
The Bacoor City government later identified Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium as being linked to the incident following complaints from affected pet owners.
On Saturday, October 31, Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla announced in a Facebook Reel that he had ordered the establishment’s closure as authorities launched an investigation into its alleged failure to properly provide cremation services.
The mayor also said he had directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the crematorium’s owner and pursue appropriate charges.
“Sarado na po siya. Ngayon po inatasan na po natin ang atin pong kapulisan para mag-imbestiga para po kasuhan ang may-ari po nito,” Revilla said.
He also appealed to complainants to help identify their pets to strengthen the case against the establishment.
“At hinihingi ko po ang tulong ng ating mga complainant na dapat po ma-identify nila ‘yung kanila pong mga aso para po sa imbestigasyong ito para mas lalo pong tumibay ‘yung atin pong kaso,” he added.
Luna and Furry Siblings, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to seeking justice for the animals and their grieving families.
“Our heart goes out to every owner who got their babies tonight and to those who are still searching. Justice will be served!” the group wrote.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also condemned the incident, saying pet owners had entrusted the establishment with giving their beloved companions a dignified farewell.
“Pet parents paid for a service that was supposed to provide their beloved companions with a dignified farewell. Instead, they were allegedly deceived at a particularly vulnerable moment of grief,” the organization said.
Citing estafa as a possible offense, PAWS urged affected pet owners to seek legal assistance and file formal complaints against the crematorium.
“PAWS urges affected pet parents to come forward, preserve their receipts, cremation certificates, communications, photographs, and other evidence, and seek legal assistance in filing the appropriate complaint. We also call on the concerned LGU to thoroughly investigate the incident,” it added.
The incident likewise drew widespread attention from netizens and public figures, who expressed outrage over the alleged mistreatment of the animals and the distress caused to their families.
One X user lamented the alleged deception of pet owners, writing: “They deceived pet parents. They disrespected the remains of helpless pets. They’re operating a fraudulent business. Can’t help but shed tears out of anger. I feel so so sorry for those families affected.”
Sen. Leila de Lima also condemned the incident, stressing the need for stronger measures to protect animals from cruelty.
“This kind of violence should never be tolerated. It will not be the last unless we implement comprehensive and stricter laws to promote and protect animal rights and welfare,” she wrote on X.
She also called on fellow lawmakers to prioritize the passage of her proposed Animal Welfare Enforcement Act and Revised Animal Welfare Act.
“Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga kapwa mambabatas: Gawin din nating prayoridad ang pagsasabatas ng panukala nating Animal Welfare Enforcement Act at Revised Animal Welfare Act para matigil ang karahasan at higit na maipaunawa ang nararapat at makataong pagtrato sa mga hayop,” she added.
Actor John Arcilla, meanwhile, called for a thorough inspection of pet crematoriums across the country to ensure that their facilities are capable of properly providing the services they advertise.
“KAILANGAN ma-investigate lahat ng pet crematoriums at ma-double-check ang kanilang facilities kung able and capable ba silang mag-operate as crematoriums. Kung hindi at kahina-hinala ang kanilang operations, DAPAT IPA-CLOSE ITO. HINDI ITO OVERREACTION,” he wrote.
As of writing, investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
