Seven dogs have reportedly died after allegedly being poisoned by an unknown perpetrator, a resident of Jacana Road in Puerto Princesa claimed, February 9.
In an exclusive interview of Palawan Daily News (PDN), Engineer Key Alilano Lorenzo confirmed the death of the dogs.
Five of them were raised by Lorenzo, while the two others who died were in their neighbor’s premises.
Lorenzo said the five were Bruno, Bugtong, Puti, Max, and Browny.
“Mababait po, usually lagi sila [sa] gate ng shop para mag-bantay kung may dumarating na tao. Tumatahol sila pero ‘di nangangagat,” she said.
She added that this is the first time it happened and they remain clueless as to why it occurred.
However, she said it was most probably a planned robbery of the materials stocked at their fabrication shop, where they also stay.
“Sana huwag niya gawin sa iba pang aso ang ginawa niya sa aso namin,” Lorenzo said.
As of the press time, they have yet to report to the authorities the incident.
Dr. Indira Santiago, the City Veterinary Office (CVO) chief said in an interview Monday, the matter has not yet reached their knowledge.
Santiago said most of the cases they encountered unto which pertain to intentional poisoning of dogs, were directly related to theft, burglary, and robbery.
“Kasi kami kadalasan ‘yon ang hinala namin lalo na kapag selective, ‘yong siya lang sa dami-dami diyan na mga asong-gala ‘yong loob pa ng bahay ang nilasunan. Iyon ang usually na-encounter natin,” said Santiago.
However, Indira said it is necessary that a “clinical test” be conducted on the dogs’ carcasses to determine the cause of death, which their office is also willing to provide.
She added the owner or anyone with the same experience, is encouraged to report to the CVO.
“Siguro mag-report dito sa vet office, kasi papaano kami makaka-aksyon kung kukuwentuhan lang kami ng may-ari. Dapat makita rin namin ‘yong sitwasyon. Kasi may mga kaso din na mga nalason pero ‘yon pala ‘yong mga aso mismo nila ang kumain doon ng mga palaka, ‘yong mga naka-dila ng mga nag-spray ng orchids, may nag-spray ng orchids na malathion dahil may mga bugs, tapos nakakainom ang aso ng tubig sa kanal dahil mainit, may mga ganoon,” said Santiago.
She said under the Animal Welfare Act, whoever is found guilty of intentionally poisoning dogs will face upon the discretion of the court a penalty of six months to one year of imprisonment and/or a monetary penalty of P5,000 pesos, which she noted is under the provision of a city ordinance. (with added reports from Harthwell Capistrano)