Charges for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 and the Anti-Rabies Act have been filed against the man who has confessed to killing a Golden Retriever named Killua in Bato, Camarines Sur.

Images and videos of Killua’s killing circulated on social media and sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.

"Kitang kita na talagang napaka excited niyang patayin at dinala pa doon sa lugar na nagkakarne ng aso, so maliwang na maliwanag sa amin na may violation ng Animal Welfare Act at dog meat trade so may violation din ng Anti-Rabies Act," Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), said.

Meanwhile, results of the rabies examination conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry revealed that Killua was positive for rabies, much to the surprise of pet owner Vina Rachelle Arazas.

"Nagulat din po ako sa resulta nito pero dahil responsibility din ng isang owner, dahil nga po pinagki-claim na si “Killua’ ay isang rabid dog so ako na po mismo yung nagpatest sa aso ko para malaman kung positive ba o negative si ‘Killua’ sa rabies," Arazas said.

PAWS said that despite Killua testing positive for rabies, charges against the tanod will continue. 

On March 17, ‘Killua,’ aged three, was killed in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur.

The suspect has claimed self-defense.

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