Authorities probe death of 13 dogs in San Miguel, Iloilo

Authorities are investigating the death of 13 dogs in San Miguel, Iloilo whose caretakers believe were poisoned.

Samples were taken samples from a substance suspected to be poison. The samples will be examined by the forensic unit of the Police Regional Office-6.

The family who took care of the dogs found a blue substance mixed into the animals’ food when they found the dogs dead on April 29, 2026.

The dogs have since been buried.

Capt. Bryan Alejo, chief of the San Miguel Municipal Police Station, said whoever killed the dogs violated the Animal Welfare Act.

“May pananagutan kasi under the Animal Welfare Act, Section 6, killing of an animal is violation of the law,” Alejo said.

(The person responsible under the Animal Welfare Act, Section 6.)

He said it is possible that the culprit may just be a resident in the area because the police have received complaints that many who pass by the area are afraid of the dogs wandering around.

“May nakapagsabi sa amin na marami daw ang dumadaan sa lugar na natatakot dahil maraming aso ang gumagala,” Alejo said.

(Someone told us many pass by the area and are afraid because many dogs are present there.)

The 13 dogs are among the 30 animals the family of Ann has been taking care of.

Several of the dogs were reportedly strays that they have chosen to adopt.

She said they consider the animals family.

“Masakit, kasi inalagaan mo, ilang kilong bigas ang binibili namin para mapakain sila tapos ganoon lang ang gagawin. Pero kailangang tanggapin kasi nangyari na,” Ann said.

(It hurts because we took care of them, we buy man y kilos of rice in order to feed them and someone would do this. But we have to accept this because it's done.)

She said if the animals bothered passersby, they could have reached out and talked to the family.

“Mayroon namang paraan na makapag-usap sila ng may-ari. Bakit nila gagawin yun? Ang aso hindi nakaka-intindi, pero ang tao meron. Pwede naman silang maging bigger person,” she said. 

(There are ways for them to talk to the owners. WHy would they do that? Dogs do not understand, but humans can. They can be the bigger person.) —John Sala, GMA Regional TV News