An animal rights advocate in Barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City will pursue filing a complaint against a foreigner for poisoning reportedly seven dogs and five cats.

The other complainants have already settled their concern with the wife of the foreigner accused of giving food to dogs and cats with poison in their compound.

The wife appeared at the barangay hall on December 13, 2023 on behalf of the foreigner and explained that the sound of dogs and cats, most especially at nighttime, was irritating and unbearable for her husband.

She pointed out that her husband is suffering from certain ailments. The discordant sounds of animals in the neighborhood disturb her husband's sleep and rest hours.

The other neighbors of the foreigner agreed to withdraw their complaints during the hearing, citing forgiveness being at the core of the Christmas celebration.

The lone neighbor who decided to pursue the complaint did not have any pets poisoned, but stood uncompromising, saying that the foreigner has to answer for his wrongdoing as there already is an existing law on animal welfare in the country.

 The complainant will ask assistance from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an animal welfare group.

The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 is a significant law in the Philippines that aims to protect the welfare of animals. It prohibits acts of cruelty toward animals such as neglect, maltreatment, torture, and killing.