10 dogs rescued from illegal meat trade in Nueva Ecija

Ten dogs that were supposed to be transported to and sold in Nueva Ecija were rescued by authorities, GMA News' Emil Sumangil reported on 24 Oras on Monday.

Three people, one of them a minor, were arrested on board a tricycle during the operation by undercover police officers.

According to the report, nine dogs, which were from Bulacan, were placed in a very small cage while one dog was put inside a sack. Initially there were 11 dogs, but one reportedly died.

The suspects were supposed to sell the dogs thrice its price of P500 to illegal dog meat traders in Nueva Ecija.

"Sa ngayon po nananatiling malakas ang bentahan ng mga ano doon, lutong karne ng aso," said Allan Pekitpekit of Animal Kingdom Foundation.

"Ang aso ay hindi po 'yan for human consumption o human food, ang aso ay man's best friend po 'yan," Pekitpekit said.

Rene Dave Tacba, a veterinarian, said, "Ang dog's meat ay marumi, pangalawa carrier siya ng rabies.

The Animal Welfare Act prohibits the killing of any animal other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer and crocodiles with exemptions for religious, cultural, research, public safety or animal health reasons.

The law seeks to "protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as object of trade or as household pets."

The rescued dogs were brought to the quarantine area of the animal foundation where they will be observed and cured.

Meanwhile, the suspects, who declined to give comments on allegations against them, were brought to the Gapan Police Station. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News