Learn how to file an animal abuse case with this step-by-step guide
Over the past few days, the hashtag #justiceforkillua has been on the top of the Philippine trending topics of the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
The hashtag is for a golden retriever named Killua, who in a viral video is shown being chased and mauled by a man identified as Anthony Solares. The video has drawn national attention and condemnation for Solares, with politicians like Grace Poe and JV Ejercito condemning the violent treatment of the dog.
"As a fellow dog lover, witnessing the disturbing video of Killua, a golden retriever, being brutally killed is truly heartbreaking. I vehemently condemn this act...Our beloved companions, often considered man's best friend, should never be subjected to such cruelty," said Senator JV Ejercito.
“I am heart-broken and enraged to hear of the mauling of Killua,” Sentaor Grace Poe said in statement. “His actions which were captured in a CCTV video, were fraught with excessive violence and shows that it was Killua who was being chased.”
Senator Grace Poe has even used the outrage to call attention to Senate Bill 2458 or the Revised Animal Welfare Act that seeks to include mandatory animal welfare education in the primary and secondary education curriculum. It also creates a Barangay Animal Welfare Task Force which will enable local officers to address the animal welfare issues with dispatch.
While the rest of the country waits for the passage of that bill, here is a step-by-step guide on how to file a case of animal cruelty, as outlined by the advocacy group the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Immediately call authorities
While it was a viral video that brought attention to what happened to Killua, PAWS explains that posting on social media or tagging them or other animal welfare groups is not taking action. Instead, people who see instances of animal cruelty should immediately call barangay officials or the police hotline 911 immediately.
Gather evidence
In cases of animal cruelty, it is the animal itself that is the best piece of evidence. However, if people are unable to take away the animal from the offending party, PAWs advices them to take videos, photos, and collect other witness accounts that will help build a stronger case.
Prepare the necessary documents
Once evidence of animal cruelty has been gathered, complainants need to prepare several documents, which include a witness affidavit, a complainant affidavit, a copy of valid government ID of witness and complainant, a copy of blotter or incident report from the police/barangay, as many photos and videos of the animal as possible, and a veterinarian's affidavit and other attachments.
PAWS stresses the importance of preparing these documents, with the witness affidavit being the top priority as no case can be filed without it.
Sign an agreement with PAWS
Once all the evidence and necessary documents have been collected, PAWS can offer free legal assistance to pet owners or concerned citizens who want to pursue a criminal case against offenders. To qualify for free legal assistance, the pet owner or concerned citizen needs to sign an agreement that they will not back out from filing the case. This is to ensure that PAWS resources do not go to waste as they will be shouldering all the legal expenses.
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