Town logs another case of animal abuse; case stirs outrage
Published Aug 27, 2025 01:04 pm
BACOLOD CITY – A fresh case of animal abuse in Murcia, Negros Occidental—the third in just six months since February—has stirred outrage and renewed calls for stronger animal protection measures.
The most recent victim, a dog named ‘’Maxi,’’ was found by his pet owner near a comfort room, seriously injured by a dart arrow that pierced dangerously close to his heart.
The incident occurred in Barangay Iglau-an, far from the two previous cases in Barangays Blumentritt and Caliban, according to Police Capt. Honey Labaro, Murcia police chief.
MAXI
Maxi underwent a successful surgery and is now under the care of Barksite Animal Clinic, according to animal welfare group Bach Project PH, which appealed for donations to aid in his recovery. “No animal deserves to suffer like this. Together, let’s fight for his life,” the group said in a social media post.
The disturbing incident quickly spread online, with netizens tagging Mayor Gerry Rojas and demanding decisive action from the local government.
One Facebook user, Mel, said: “This is enough. Enough seeing animals brutally abused and killed for fun or ignorance. The government needs to step up and make a mass bill that anyone who abuses an animal will be held accountable.”
Shine echoed similar sentiments: “What if the next target is a person, not just an animal? The attacker must be caught.” “Ay Grabe! Dapat lang gid na madakpan ang nag himo sina. Ginoo na lang bahala ang nag himo sini (The person who did this should be caught. May the Lord deal with the one who did this).”
Other commenters said: “How many more dogs must suffer before someone is arrested? We need justice,” Pew remarked, while Mildred noted that animals must have legal protection. “Justice for the dog.”
Mildred asked: “Why aren’t these people being charged? She said that “if there’s no consequence, they’ll keep doing it. We must be the voice of these animals.”
Skye said that the culprit must be arrested and charged, while Jem asked the local government’s take on the matter. “No justice has been served yet,” Jem said.
Lusi believes that the recent incident may seem intentional.
Labaro confirmed that authorities have begun an investigation. Based on the pet owner’s account, they immediately sought help from Bach Project PH, as the town’s veterinary office was closed at the time.
Labaro stated the incident had not been officially reported to the police but gained attention after being shared on social media. The pet owner could not determine where or when Maxi was shot, as the dog occasionally roamed outside their compound.
Labaro noted that the three animal abuse incidents are likely unrelated, though he suspects someone from the local area may be responsible for this most recent attack.
He encouraged pet owners to file formal complaints to pursue charges of animal cruelty, which is a serious offense under the law.
In a previous case involving a dog named Tiktok, Rojas had offered a P10,000 reward for any information leading to the perpetrator. However, no updates have been shared since the case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).