Legarda seeks probe into ‘unconscionable’ dumping of pet remains

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Loren Legarda has joined her colleagues in the Senate in pushing for a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported dumping of dog and cat remains in Bulacan, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing” and “unconscionable.”

“I strongly condemn the reported dumping of deceased dogs and cats in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, allegedly involving a pet cremation service provider. The circumstances surrounding this incident are deeply disturbing and demand immediate investigation and accountability,” Legarda said in a statement on Thursday.

READ: Dead pets dumping in Bulacan: Senators seek tougher measures; probe set

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“Our pets are cherished members of our families. For their owners, entrusting their remains to a cremation service is a final act of love and respect. To allegedly exploit that trust, collect payment for services that may not have been rendered, and discard their remains without dignity is unconscionable,”  she added. 

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Sens. JV Ejercito and Pia Cayetano earlier said they would push for an investigation into the incident to address gaps and strengthen existing animal welfare measures.

Legarda, for her part, backed a “thorough and impartial investigation” by the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and other concerned authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and charged in court.

READ: NBI probes pet crematorium after 29 animals dumped in Bulacan

“Those who deliberately deceive grieving pet owners must be held accountable under the law,” she said.

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According to her,  the incident  also  “raises serious concerns about the regulation and oversight of pet cremation and aftercare services.”

She then called on on the Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, and Trade and Industry, “to examine existing safeguards, investigate possible regulatory violations, and ensure that these establishments operate lawfully and responsibly.” 

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“We must strengthen the standards governing these services to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” Legarda said.

“Compassion for animals does not end with their passing. We owe them dignity, and we owe their families honesty, respect, and accountability,” she also said.

The  remains of the pets were reportedly brought to the Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, butwere later dumped in a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.

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Police reported that  250 individuals have  already filed complaints against the pet cremation service provider. /jpv