Target: Robert V. Canosa, Provincial Prosecutor, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, La Union, Philippines
Goal: Ensure criminal charges are filed against the individual allegedly responsible for poisoning and killing five pet dogs.
A woman in La Union reportedly lost five of her pet dogs after they were poisoned by a neighbour who claimed the animals were killing his chickens. The dog owner condemned the act publicly, stating that her neighbour should have addressed the issue through proper channels — such as reporting it to the local barangay — rather than resorting to mass poisoning. An animal welfare group has since launched an investigation to identify accountability.
The alleged deliberateness of this act is what makes it particularly disturbing. Five dogs — known and loved by their owner — apparently died as a result of a neighbour’s unilateral decision to act as judge, jury, and executioner.
The Philippines’ Animal Welfare Act of 1998 makes it a criminal offence to torture, mutilate, or kill animals. The Provincial Prosecutor of La Union must ensure that once the animal welfare investigation concludes, criminal charges are promptly filed and pursued against the individual allegedly responsible.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Provincial Prosecutor Canosa,
We are writing to urge your office to ensure criminal charges are filed against the individual allegedly responsible for poisoning and killing five pet dogs in La Union. According to reports, the accused carried out this act because he claimed the dogs were killing his chickens — rather than pursuing the lawful channels available to him, such as filing a complaint with the local barangay. An animal welfare investigation is reportedly underway.
We urge your office to monitor the progress of the ongoing animal welfare investigation, to ensure that any evidence gathered is promptly referred for prosecution, and to pursue the maximum penalties available under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 against those found responsible. Five dogs allegedly died because of one person’s unlawful decision. They deserve justice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Ewen Roberts
