A Golden Retriever named Killua, aged three, was killed in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur.

The suspect has claimed self-defense. 

According to Killua’s owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, she found out that her dog has gone missing early morning on March 17, 2024. 

"Mga alas sais ng umaga, nagising po ako, wala si Killua sa tabi ko. Kasi tabi kaming natutulog niyan. Bale around 6 a.m., hinahanap po namin siya. Nag-ikot-ikot po kami ng bahay; kaso naka-lock po ‘yung gate namin kaya imposible na nakalabas si Killua," she said,

They found out later from CCTV footage that Killua had gone up the rooftop at around 5 a.m. and jumped. 

Later, a woman who passed by the house claimed Killua attacked her suddenly and bit her. That's when she reportedly called for help from "Enteng," the watchman of Barangay Tres Reyes who beat the dog.

"Yung aso, tumawid doon. Tapos yung aso nung nakita kami nung matanda, bumalik, talagang ako naman sinakmal, buti na lang dito lang sa paa. Pumasok doon sa tindahan namin. Dalawa na ang nakagat, ‘yung matanda [at] ako, pati yung asawa ko kakagatin pa, kaya nagawa ko iyon," Enteng said.

Vina said this does not justify the brutal treatment of the dog. She is determined to pursue legal action. 

"Ining complainant, talagang desidido na magsampa ning kaso... Kung talagang nangangagat na, kaipuhan dakupon muna ito, ikulong para hanapon si maysadiri. Dae paggadanon ta talagang hahagupon kita kang 8485 an animal welfare act," Paul Vincent Espinola, the Barangay Captain, said.

Under Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, severe penalties await those found guilty of abusing or maltreating domesticated animals.

"Ang magiging penalty niya is six months to one year ang imprisonment, and meron siyang fine or multa na 1,000 to 30,000. Tiningnan ko na ang provision na iyon at iyon ang pinag-aaralan namin ngayon, ‘yung provision na iyon sa animal welfare act," PMAJ. Ronald Brugada of the Bato Municipal Police Station, said.

The incident triggered public outcry on social media with netizens calling for justice for Killua.