The Animal Kingdom Foundation has sought justice for Axel, an American Bully dog recently beaten to death by a man in Barangay Saclit, Sadanga town, Mountain Province.

The AKF wrote an open letter on Dec. 10 stressing their appeal.

“AKF respectfully appeals to the general public, the local government unit of Sadanga, Mountain Province, the municipal police, and its barangay leaders to ensure that the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (RA 8485 as amended by RA 10631) is fully upheld, with Axle, the dog at the center of this case, firmly in mind,” the group said.

“This appeal is not intended to create division or hostility. Rather, it serves as a reminder that justice, compassion, and strict adherence to the law must guide the resolution of this matter. Animals, much like humans, experience pain, fear, and distress, and the law clearly recognizes their right to humane treatment.

“With this in mind, we urge authorities to ensure that any action involving animal harm or cruelty is evaluated in accordance with the law's standards and penalties. Any amicable settlement between parties must not invalidate or circumvent the legal protections guaranteed to animals.

“While we respect the right of individuals to pursue amicable settlement as a form of dispute resolution, we must not forget that dogs like Axle are not mere property.

“They are living, sentient beings capable of feeling fear, joy, and suffering. They provide companionship, loyalty, protection, and love. For many families, they are deeply valued members, and how we treat them speaks volumes about our values as a community.

“Sadanga is known for its strong traditions, unity, and sense of dignity. Upholding animal welfare does not diminish these cultural values but rather strengthens them. Protecting the voiceless is a reflection of moral leadership and cultural integrity.

“As emotions rise, we emphasize that citizens and even netizens must not be discouraged or prevented at the risk of curtailing freedom of speech and expression from speaking out, expressing concern, seeking accountability, or voicing support for humane treatment.

“Peaceful public outcry is a legitimate and lawful expression of community values, especially when defending the lives and safety of animals. Transparency and open communication will help the community heal and maintain trust in its institutions and leadership.

“Finally, we must reflect on the consequences of silence and tolerance in the face of wrongdoings. When cruelty is witnessed yet unspoken, or when harm is ignored for the sake of convenience or fear of conflict, it sends a dangerous message that violence is acceptable, that the voiceless do not matter, and that accountability can be avoided. Such silence, in fact, erodes trust, weakens moral foundations, and hinders the community's social development.

“As we await further developments, let this case stand as a clear affirmation: Animal lives matter, and the public's call for justice is a valid and powerful reminder that this incident must set a positive example for Sadanga, for the Mountain Province, and for the entire Filipino community.

The Sadanga LGU condemned the incident on Facebook.

“We express our unequivocal condemnation of the senseless killing of the American Bully known as Axle, which took place on Dec. 4, 2025. We confirm that a filing of case is ongoing against the perpetrator, who is a driver of the local government unit,” it said.

The LGU stressed that the perpetrator is not Sangguniang Bayan member Daniel "Dongpop" Dawadeo.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims that may cause unwarranted harm to individuals not involved in the incident. Thank you,” the LGU ended.

A closed-circuit television footage of the incident has spread online and triggered widespread condemnation.

The viral video showed the man hitting the dog several times with a wooden stick in front of several people who did nothing to stop the beating.

Axel tried to escape but he was chased by the man, who claimed the dog urinated on him, and struck him further until he died.

Sadanga Mayor Robert Wanawan, in an interview on “24 Oras” TV news program,  condemned the incident and said the suspect's action could have been triggered by local belief. 

"May belief kami kasi na pagka inihian ka ng aso, may malas o kamatayan, ‘yun ang belief, sa galit niya siguro, nagawa ‘yun sa harap ng mga tao.”

(We have a belief that being urinated on by a dog is bad luck or sign of death. Because of that belief, he struck the dog in front of people)  

Wanawan said he has ordered the Sangguniang Bayan to act on the matter.