Pampanga Rep. Lazatin seeks charges vs. school official, employee for alleged animal cruelty

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Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on Tuesday called for the investigation of an incident in which an official and a utility worker of a school based in Angeles City, Pangasinan were allegedly caught on video beating up a stray dog.

In a statement, Lazatin had asked the Angeles City Police Office to lead the probe and to file the appropriate charges within 72 hours.

“I have said this many times before, and I reiterate: there is no room in a civilized society for this kind of senseless violence toward a helpless animal,” Lazatin said in a statement.

“Regardless if the animal is a stray that accidentally wandered inside school premises, it is not a reason to enact violence on the poor animal. We are human beings; therefore, we have been granted logic and reason. We should exercise utmost patience and humanity when dealing with an animal that lacks the same level of thinking,” he added.

Lazatin said that a video circulated on social media showing the school official beating up a dog inside a building.

In the same statement, he said that social media posts also claimed that the dog was beaten and bleeding from the head, and stuffed inside an empty water drum.

“That this violent act was allegedly committed by an educator at one of the highest levels in a learning institution is both disgraceful and disappointing. In our desire to achieve higher education and learning, may we never lose sight of morality and compassion,” Lazatin said.

GMA News has asked for a statement from the school regarding the incident and will post their as soon as it is available.

Call for witnesses

In a separate post, animal welfare group - Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) - posted that "A disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty involving a school janitress and a dean has sparked outrage among students and animal advocates. Several students were reportedly deeply affected by what they witnessed."

"Dogs were a familiar presence on campus and some had become companions to many students. It is heartbreaking that an incident like this allegedly happened in a place where compassion and respect for life should be taught—and practiced," the group added.

The AKF also called on witnesses of the incident to come forward.

"Your testimony could help establish the truth and bring justice for the dog. Do not let fear silence the truth. Do not let this dog’s suffering be forgotten," said AKF.

Strengthen animal welfare law

It can be recalled that earlier this year, Lazatin filed House Bill. 8710, "which seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act through the establishment of ‘No-Kill’ Animal Shelters and Public Veterinary Offices in all cities and municipalities in the country."

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima condemned the incident and called for the passage of the Animal Welfare Enforcement Act (House Bill 7696) and Revised Animal Welfare Act (HB 7238).

"Ang karumal-dumal na pangyayaring ito ay isa lamang sa marami pang kaso ng pagmamalupit sa mga hayop. Paano yung mga hindi nag-viral, hindi nareport, narecord, o nakita sa CCTV?" she said.

(This heinous incident is just one of many other cases of animal cruelty. What about those that didn't go viral, weren't reported, recorded, or seen on CCTV?) — BAP, GMA News