A man in Bacolod City has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for shooting a dog to death.

In February 2023, a dog named “Skittles” was found bathed in blood on the middle of the road in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod city.

Skittles sustained a gunshot wound.

The Siberian husky underwent an operation but died days later.

Skittles died from severe wounds in his internal organs.

The perpetrator was identified as Dominador Bangero. He reasoned out he shot Skittles for being a threat.

Skittles went inside his eatery and went wild, he said.

An animal welfare group filed a case against Bangero. After two years, the court has released a decision finding Bangero guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

“Nangibabaw ang happiness na makalipas ang mahabang panahon, nakuha ang justice for Skittles. This is the first case na nag-file ng kaso sa tao at natapos talaga hanggang nakapagbigay ng sentence ang court. Animal cruelty, hindi biro dahil may nabibilanggo talaga,” said Lowella Sanicas, spokesperson of CARE, Inc.

Bangero is meted imprisonment of one year to nine months and one day to two years.

Aside from this, Bangero is ordered to pay P100,000 in fines; P25,000 in moral damages to the private complainant; P25,000 in exemplary damages, and P5,000 in temperate damages.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas went to see Bangero, but he did not accommodate the news team, based reportedly on the advice of his legal counsel.

The Libo-on family who owns Skittles also refused an interview because of an important medical appointment.