Bacoor pet crematorium shut down after remains of 29 dogs, cats found dumped Bulacan
Warning: This article includes mentions of animal death.
A pet crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite has been shut down after the remains of 26 dogs and three cats were found dumped in plastic bags in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
This follows after the city government received complaints linked to Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium and conducted an investigation.
"Sarado na po siya. Ngayon po inatasan na po natin ang ating kapulisan para mag-imbestiga para po kasuhan ang may-ari po nito," Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla said in a video.
He also appealed to complainants to help identify the pets that were discovered "para mas lalo pong tumibay 'yung atin pong kaso."
In an earlier statement on Oct. 31, Revilla said he met with Ahjay Paws Aftercare owner Jonathan Legaspi and over 30 pet owners seeking justice.
The crematorium admitted to bringing pets to Caloocan, where it has one cremation machine. However, the mayor noted that there's a lack of evidence showing that the cremations actually took place.
"Walang naipakitang CCTV footage o sapat na dokumentasyon na magpapatunay sa isinagawang cremation. Hindi rin makapagbigay ng katiyakan ang may-ari na ang mga abo na naibalik sa pet owners ay talagang mula sa kanilang mga alaga," the statement read.
On Oct. 30, animal rescue service Luna and Furry Siblings raised alarm over a discovery of dumped pet remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
"We stopped to investigate a severe odor in a vacant lot and found a local barangay vehicle already standing by. Upon checking further, we discovered a mass dumping site containing at least 25 deceased dogs and cats," they said.
Each animal, including purebred dogs and cats, was placed in its own bag with a label containing its name and weight.
Legal action urged
Several groups have called for justice amid the alleged deception by the pet crematorium.
"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 Philippine Animal Welfare Society wrote in a statement.
It added that the incident may constitute estafa by means of deceit under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.
"Based on the comments from affected pet parents, the crematorium allegedly represented that the animals had been cremated, knowing that this was false and induced pet parents to pay for the service," the non-government organization said.
"The bond between a person and a companion animal does not end with death. PAWS stands with affected pet parents in seeking truth, accountability, and justice."
Meanwhile, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña has called for the passage of the ALAGA Bill, which aims to strengthen animal cruelty penalties against people who abuse and neglect animals.
"Bigyan natin ng dignidad ang mga alagang hayop. Penalize irresponsible animal control facilities and pet aftercare providers," he said in a statement.