#JusticeforKillua: A voice against animal cruelty

EDITORS DESK

Netizens were outraged following another incident of cruelty to animals in the country.

Just recently, there was public outrage over the brutal killing of a dog named Killua in Camarines Sur.

Disturbing footage showed Killua being hit by the suspect, who claimed the dog was a threat to his daughter. Then, the lifeless dog was placed in a sack.
Celebrities Sarah Geronimo and award-winning actor John Arcilla have reacted to the violent killing of the animal.

Sarah, like her husband Matteo Guidicelli, is a dog lover. She took to social media to express her disgust at the incident and vowed justice for the dog.
“This news is extremely heartbreaking. Walang kalaban-laban ’yung aso. Katulad nating mga tao, nakakaramdam din sila ng takot at sakit. Every life deserves respect and protection. It’s time to demand accountability and raise our voices against animal cruelty.” “Let’s unite to be the voice for the voiceless. Killua… we will fight for you,” wrote Sarah on X, formerly known as Twitter.

John wrote on social media: “#JusticeforKillua.”

In the Philippines, animal cruelty and pet neglect are criminal offenses. 

According to Republic Act No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Section 6: "It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare."

Let’s help stop animal cruelty. Dogs, cats, and other pets are God’s unique creations, too!

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)