A dog in Iloilo sustained injuries when it was shot with an airgun.

The suspect allegedly got angry when the dog, a family pet named Messi, allegedly bit his fighting cock.

The incident happened at a private compound in Barangay Salihid in the town of Barotac Nuevo.

The suspect was brought to the police station but was released, eventually, pending the filing of a case.

“Ayon sa investigation namin, kinuha niya ang airgun at binaril. And then, ang suspect, dinala rin natin sa station. Dine-tain siya at nag-lapse na ang reglementary period at ni-release na,” said Capt. Ma. Rosario Miranda, Deputy Chief of the Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station.

Charges have yet to be filed against the suspect, as of this writing.

Messi’s owner, Thea, said the dog joined her sister outdoors at a private property to fly a kite. Later, the property’s caretaker allegedly shot the dog with an airgun.

“Lumabas ang kapatid ko. Sumunod rin ang aso namin at nagpalipad sila ng saranggola. Sabi niya, binaril daw tapos nagulat kami nagpunta siya dito. Sabi ko, bakit binaril? Hindi niya raw alam. Nang binaril raw ang aso, sinabi niya sa bumaril na, aso namin iyan,” Thea shared.

Thea’s family reported the incident to the police immediately and that was when the suspect was arrested and brought to the police station.

The dog received medical care at the Animal Health Clinic.

Authorities reminded the public that hurting animals violates the Animal Welfare Act.

Those who will be proven to have hurt or killed an animal may be fined or put behind bars.