#JusticeForKillua: The internet mourns for pet dog found dead in sack
Warning: This article contains graphic content on animal abuse
Social media users are in anguish after a viral post showed a labrador retriever dog in Bato, Camarines Sur was found lifeless in a sack.
The issue began when Facebook user Vina Rachelle posted several graphic pictures and videos showing how she found their pet dog Killua bloodied and dead in a sack.
"Mahal na mahal ko ‘yan. We found his lifeless body inside a sack. #JusticeForKillua," Rachelle wrote, accompanying the caption with some crying emojis.
In a separate post, she also shared a CCTV footage capturing a man appearing to hit the dog several times outside of their gate, before continuing to chase after it when it ran away.
Amid the issue, a Facebook page called "Anthony Solares" was created that categorized itself as a "pet service." The statement "Huwag niyo kasi pakawalan ang aso niyo!" was written its description.
The page, which has since been deleted, shared a post from Rachelle regarding Killua and alleged that the dog escaped from their home and was about to attack his child.
"Huwag mong idaan sa post na hindi mo sinasabi ang buong kwento. Nakakawala ang imo aso at aatakihin ang aking anak. Lahat ng magulang ay maiintindihan ang ginawa ko. Maraming nakakita kaya't ginawa ko lang ang dapat kong gawin upang depensahan ang aking komunidad," the post read.
In another statement, Solares wrote, "Kaso kaso ka pa, ano ba ginawa kong mali? Kayo itong nagpapakawala ng aso na delikado, paano 'pag nakagat ang anak ko? Walang mapapala iyan dahil kamag-anak namin pulitiko."
But Rachelle clarified that their gate was locked and presumed that Killua must have gotten outside by climbing over it.
"We don't exactly know what happened. He was probably anxious and stressed, hindi siya sanay sa labas kasi sa loob lang 'yan ng bahay palagi. Kaya, no, hindi namin binuksan yung pinto kaya nakalabas," she explained.
"And if nangagat man, it is not enough reason to kill my pet. He was asking for apology, but no sorry could ever replace my baby. He was loved by everyone, and he loves us the same," she continued.
In her recent posts, Rachelle shared that they are already in talks with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society as well as law enforcement regarding the incident.
"Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng sumusuporta kay Killua para sa laban na ito at sa lahat po ng nag aabot ng tulong. Killua is probably happy na madaming nagmamahal sa kanya aside from his family," she wrote.
#JusticeForKillua
Killua's death has since caused an uproar among social media users, who mourned his death and called for justice over the cruel act done to him.
The hashtags #JusticeForKillua and #StopAnimalCruelty are among the top trending topics on X, with the former having more than 37,000 posts as of writing.
"It's essential to protect and respect all living beings, advocating for their welfare and ensuring they're free from harm and suffering. I hope Killua will get the justice he deserves. Stop the animal cruelty!" one user wrote.
Some celebrities have also voiced out their concern for what happened.
Sarah Geronimo called the news "extremely heartbreaking" and urged others to fight for Killua, stating, "Walang kalaban-laban 'yung aso. Katulad nating mga tao, nakakaramdam din sila ng takot at sakit. Every life deserves respect and protection. It's time to demand accountability and raise our voices against animal cruelty.
Chie Filomeno also posted, "I just saw everything… Nadurog ang puso ko.. #JusticeForKillua."
The Philippine Animal Welfare Act states that it is unlawful for any person to torture any animal and subject them to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect.