The unjust killing of Camarines Sur Golden Retriever “Killua” has reached a national scale with the government taking immediate action through the proclamation of Senate Bill 2458 (Revised Animal Welfare Act).
In the clip that made rounds on social media, local Anthony Solares mauled Vina Rachelle Arazas’ pet, claiming the act was in “self-defense,” after his child was “aggressively” chased by the golden retriever—a claim the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) debunked after a thorough investigation. Killua’s remains were found in a sack soon after.
Coming across the sickening video, Sen. Grace Poe ushered to amend the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 during her privilege speech last Tuesday, March 19, 2024, which prohibits any individual from torturing animals. The Revised Animal Welfare Act sees the implementation of animal welfare education in the curriculums of primary and secondary education students and a barangay animal welfare task force, among others.
“I am heartbroken and enraged to hear of the mauling of Killua, a golden retriever. Mr. Anthony Solares admitted to slaughtering Killua, claiming that the dog chased his child. However, his actions, which were captured in a CCTV video, were fraught with excessive violence and showed that it was Killua who was being chased,” she mentioned.
“We hope to pass this bill soon and put an end to despicable incidents such as what happened to Killua,” she added.
Members of the House of Representatives stood alongside the senator, speaking of possible transgressions and motioning assistance from PAWS in raising awareness centered on animal cruelty.
“I think it would be the best time for us to revisit this law. The maximum penalty of imprisonment for the violation, for instance, on the killing of an animal is six months to one year of imprisonment, with the penalty or a fine of not exceeding P100,000,” said Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Bongalon.
“I would understand maybe if he scared the dog. But to kill the animal already speaks of the motive, that there is really an intent to end the life of that animal. To me, it is tantamount to straight-up murder,” mentioned Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Almario.
