Cebu Vendor Formally Charged with Animal Cruelty in Labrador Retriever Death
Formal animal cruelty charges have been filed against a vendor in Barangay Canduman, Cebu, who is accused of killing a Labrador Retriever. The case, which has sparked local outrage, is proceeding despite attempts at mediation and apologies from the suspect.
Failed Mediation and Insistence on Legal Action
According to Barangay Captain Dante Borbajo, a mediation meeting was held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM between the complainant and the suspect. However, the meeting failed to prevent the filing of charges, even though the suspect apologized and cried during the proceedings.
The complainant is determined to pursue the case. Captain Borbajo stated, "Even though the owner of the dog has apologized and the suspect wept, we could not do anything because the complainant's stance is firm." He explained that the dog owner insisted the case must proceed, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Legal Basis and Investigation Details
The charges are being filed under Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines. This law allows complainants to directly file cases with the police. The complaint will be submitted to Police Station 6 for further investigation.
Based on the suspect's account, the incident began when the Labrador Retriever allegedly bit a cardboard box the vendor was carrying. The vendor admitted to hitting the dog with a piece of wood. "I questioned him because he was the first to strike the dog. Naturally, the dog would fight back," Captain Borbajo remarked. The suspect confessed to hitting the dog three times, resulting in its immediate death after the incident.
Post-Mortem and Witness Accounts
Following the death, members of the barangay's Emergency Response Team initially buried the dog. However, it was later exhumed for a post-mortem examination to gather evidence for the case.
Captain Borbajo mentioned that there are reports of a foreigner witnessing the event, but this has not been confirmed because the vendor has since left the area. "He is not originally from here. He was just renting in the area and had a small roadside business. He is from Consolacion," the captain added, providing context about the suspect's background.
Owner's Statement and Ongoing Legal Process
The dog owner shared that the animal accidentally escaped and they had been searching for it all day before the tragic incident occurred. During the mediation, a minor argument took place, but the owner remains resolute in continuing with the case.
This incident underscores the importance of animal welfare laws in the Philippines and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for such acts. The community awaits further developments as the case moves forward in the judicial system.
