Hot Dogs!

Here are two stories about hot dogs in the Philippines. 

A woman decided her 10-year-old son needed to have his hot dog trimmed. So, she took him to a doctor at a local clinic. This doctor administered anesthesia and the boy immediately began shaking, shouting, and spacing out.  He was rushed to a hospital but they were unable to revive him. 

It turn out the doctor is only a licensed midwife and not a doctor at all. This same fake doctor was arrested in 2023 for practicing medicine without a license but was released on bail. Sometime after that he was able to find work at a clinic once again practicing medicine without a license.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/946825/doctor-who-circumcised-10-year-old-boy-in-tondo-clinic-fake/story/

The person who circumcised a 10-year-old boy at a lying-in clinic in Tondo, Manila and later died was not a registered doctor, a barangay official said.

The suspect was also arrested in 2023 by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after using the name and license number of a legitimate doctor whom she had worked with over 20 years ago, GMA Integrated News’ Jhomer Apresto reported on Unang Balita Wednesday.

However, the suspect was released on bail.

Barangay 146 Councilor Maria Christina Tipon said the suspect does not have any permit to operate.

(There was no request so what we know is she is not operating. What we know is that she is a licensed midwife but not a doctor.)

(They should be vigilant whether these doctors are registered or not. There are many hospitals that they can go to.)

Marjorie San Agustin told GMA Integrated News’ that she brought her son Nathan to the clinic at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Before the circumcision, her son was administered anesthesia—reportedly in the amount of 20cc, as per the clinic staff.

(He said he couldn’t feel anything anymore. I saw my son shivering.)

(I asked the doctor if that was normal because I was getting scared. The doctor said it was normal because he was groggy. Then he started shaking and shouting.)

(Yes, his eyes were open, but he was already spaced out.)

Nathan was rushed to a nearby hospital, but attempts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

The grieving family reported the incident to the Manila Police District and later sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation to seek a thorough investigation.

(We are investigating, but the autopsy is our top priority. Depending on the result, we’ll determine if someone should be held accountable.)

(We need to determine the cause of death. We’ll issue a subpoena to the person to explain the procedure performed.)

According to the family, the result of the autopsy is expected in seven days.

The NBI also visited the clinic where the procedure took place.

GMA Integrated News also went to the location. After ringing the doorbell for several minutes, someone finally answered but said the person who performed the procedure was not there

There are a lot of questions to be answered such as why this person had not been to trial in the space of two years and how he was able to work in a clinic. It is not clear if he opened an unlicensed clinic or found work at one. 

Barangay Councilor Maria Christina Tipon basically said this woman should have been more vigilant in making sure this person was a real doctor or just gone to a hospital. The whole thing could have been prevented if the mother had not decided her son's hot dog needed to be mutilated. Circumcision provides no health benefits whatsoever. The religious benefits are moot since Jesus Christ has come and baptism rather than circumcision is now the sign of the covenant. 

However, if she really wanted to cut her son's hot dog there are plenty of places that will do it correctly. There are also free Operation Tuli clinics which occur throughout the country. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/22/around-300-boys-get-free-circumcision-in-las-pinas

Around 300 young boys availed of free circumcision during the “Oplan Tuli” program conducted by the Las Piñas city government at the Aguilar Sports Complex, Pilar on May 20.

Las Piñas Mayor-elect April Aguilar was present at the event. She said the program is part of the city government’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible health services to the community, especially during the summer break.

She also assured that the program is carried out exclusively by licensed doctors and medically trained professionals to ensure safety and proper post-operative care.

The City Health Office (CHO), led by Dr. Juliana Gonzales, spearheaded the activity. She emphasized that only qualified health personnel performed the procedures, highlighting the city’s commitment to proper hygiene, medical standards, and patient care throughout the program.

The mayor-elect expressed her support for the children and their parents and commended the health workers and volunteers for ensuring the smooth and well-organized conduct of the medical mission.

She announced that the next free circumcision sessions will be held on May 24 at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar, and on May 26 at the DRRMO Building in Talon Dos.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to visit their nearest barangay health center for screening and pre-registration.

While this program took place in Las Piñas the mother should have looked for such a program in her area. Ideally she should have left her son's hot dog alone. Now he is dead. 

Two poodles died while attending a training facility. The owner of the facility says they died of heatstroke. He also buried them 5 days before informing their owners. The owners of the poodles were naturally outraged. They claim they saw photos of the dogs with blood around their heads. Additionally, one of the poodles heads was missing. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/21/dog-owners-seek-justice-after-pets-die-in-marikina-training-facility

The owners of two poodles that died in a dog training facility in Marikina are demanding justice, questioning the trainer’s claim of heatstroke and pointing to injuries that suggest possible animal abuse. 

In a Facebook post, pet owners Karla and Sandy Rios stated that their dogs, Guanciale and Donki, passed away on May 12 while under the care of the facility. However, they were only the deaths on May 17. 

Sandy, Donki's owner, said that the trainer personally went to their house to inform them of the incident. 

“When he got to my house, he explained to me and my husband that Donki has been dead since last Monday, May 12, along with one of my SIL’s dogs whose name was Guanciale,” she said. 

They said they were shocked about the trainer’s claim that the dogs died of heatstroke.  

The pet owners were also dismayed after finding out that the bodies of the dogs were just put in a sack and buried without their consent. 

“He claimed that both died from heatstroke. And that they buried them right away without even telling us—without our consent. My husband and I were both in shock upon hearing all of this,” she stated. 

Sandy said that she messaged the trainer a few days before learning about the incident to ask if they could get their dogs back.  

However, the trainers only replied, “Mam mga 2 weeks pa po (Ma'am, maybe in about two weeks),” to which she assumed that the dogs were still being trained. 

However, she became suspicious when they saw the photos showing the dogs with blood on their heads.  

She also said that one of the dogs was missing its head. 

She also mentioned that the trainer “even had the audacity to offer ‘compensation’ by giving us a new dog.” 

Due to what happened to their pets, the owners hope the training facility will be shut down. 

“As I write this, I cannot help but think that only a monster can do something like this. This is animal abuse. This is cruelty. This is a crime,” she said. 

“They don’t care about our dogs, they only care about making money. They need to close down. Please help us spread this news,” she added. 

Aside from the two pets that died, their five other dogs that were also in the same training facility were just returned to them on May 18. 

In a Facebook post, Karla, the owner of Guanciale, said the five dogs came back very thin and looked neglected, even though the training center often asked for grooming payments. 

She also shared photos of the dogs before they were brought to the facility and after they were returned, showing how their condition had gotten worse. She added that one of the dogs now has an eye infection. 

Meanwhile, the training facility has yet to release any statement.

It seems like a clear cut case of animal abuse and the facility should be immediately closed and the owner charged accordingly. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society agrees. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/22/paws-calls-for-closure-of-marikina-based-training-center-after-deaths-of-2-dogs

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has urged the local government of Marikina to shut down a dog training center following the deaths of two poodles under its care.

The animal rights group said the facility lacks an animal welfare permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry–Animal Health and Welfare Division, which is required under the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.

In a TV interview, PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera said they are already coordinating with the owner to file criminal charges against the training center.

“In view of all these and to safeguard the lives of other dogs which may still in the facility, we are requesting the immediate closure of the said facility and for your good office to direct the owner of the said facility to give the LGU a list of the owners of the dogs still under their care so that they can be contacted,” PAWS said in its letter to the local government.

It added that they can send a personnel to accompany police officers during the facility’s closure and serve as observers should any animals require medical assistance.

Perhaps the owner will be charged and his training facility closed. Perhaps he will be let out on bail and go back to his old ways such as the fake doctor. Either way these hot dogs are now dead. 

Crazy Cebu City Veterinarian Wants Residents To Coexist With Roaming Dogs

The Philippines is populated with many stray dogs. What's the solution? For one insane, crazy Cebu City Veterinarian it is for the people to coexist with them.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/620661/cebu-city-as-pet-friendly-vet-pushes-advocacy-for-stray-dogs

Being recognized as one of the ‘pet-friendly’ cities in Asia was something the city’s veterinarian did not see coming. 

Recently, Cebu City ranked second in the top 10 pet-friendly cities list of online travel platform Agoda. 

According to Agoda, their list was based on the average number of accommodations that allow guests to bring in their pets.

"Fortunately, it was a surprise for me. I don't expect that there is a group that looks like they did a survey," Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) of the Cebu City Government.

Utlang, in an interview with the city’s Public Information Office, expressed that she truly did not expect the result, especially that it was only last January 15 when she posted that her goal for the city is to be a pet-friendly, where its residents coexist with roaming dogs. 

Aside from that, she also wants the city to become a “rabies-free” city. 

Utlang also wanted to strenghthen the department’s CNVR program or the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return.

Utlang earlier said in a media interview that believes the healthy stray dogs should not be impounded nor punished. 

Moreover, Utlang also praised Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for fostering stray dogs at the City Hall, for example, ‘Pochie’ and the other aspins in the former vice mayor’s office—now mayor’s office.

She said that it is rare to have a government official who fosters a roaming dog inside the City Hall.

"I was inspired by what the Mayor did when he was still vice mayor, it is very rare for a government official, in a government facility or office, to have a dog, accept a dog rescued from the street, take care of it, feed it properly , and he became like an ambassador for roaming dogs. Very nice," Utlang said.

It was June last year when Utlang reiterated their advocacy that they will no longer impound healthy stray dogs.

How stupid this woman? First of all Cebu City has been named a pet-friendly city not because of the way residents treat animals but "based on the average number of accommodations that allow guests to bring in their pets." It has nothing to do with her advocacy. 

Second of all this lady thinks residents should "coexist with roaming dogs." Dr. Alice says the city will no longer impound healthy stray dogs. At the same time she wants Cebu City to become rabies-free. How can she not know that allowing stray dogs to roam will only increase rabies cases. 

Not only will rabies cases increase but stray dogs give birth to more stray dogs. That only compounds the problem. 

And what is a healthy roaming dog? They all eat trash. They all dump in the road and on sidewalks. There is nothing healthy about a stray dog. They are one bite away from becoming infected with rabies or some other disease which they can spread to humans and animals. Who is going to clean up their poop? This lady thinks residents should simply coexist with stray dogs and their mess. Unbelievable. 

Thirdly her inspiration, the Mayor, rescued a dog from the street and is taking care of it properly. That is the exact opposite of allowing stray dogs to roam the streets. 

Dr. Alice Utlang, should not be head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries of the Cebu City Government. She should be fired and someone who wants to keep the animals and people of Cebu City safe should take her place. Advocating for residents to coexist with roaming dogs is not a solution and only exacerbates the problem.

Filipino Christians Sacrifice Dogs

Some Filipinos love dogs and some Filipinos eat dogs. We see this contradiction once more played out in the following two news stories. 

First up is a group of dogs who were rescued from a house fire. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/6/dogs-rescued-from-house-fire-in-san-juan

Several dogs were rescued from a fire that hit a house in Barangay Sta. Lucia, San Juan City Friday morning, September 6.

According to the San Juan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the blaze started at around 7:48 a.m. and was declared fire out at 8:57 a.m.

The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) said several dogs were rescued from the fire. However, four of them perished due to oxygen deprivation and smoke inhalation.

"Many of the dogs were already unconscious because of smoke inhalation but thank you to our dear volunteer firefighters for reviving them. All of the dogs survived except for four," the group said.

The AKF expressed its gratitude to the firefighters who responded to the incident, especially to Fire Chief Jerwin Guan and his wife, for making sure the animals were safe. The couple are both veterinarians.

Arson investigators are still determining the cause of the fire and total cost of damage to property.

Yes, some of the dogs were suffering from smoke inhalation and were revived by...mouth to mouth resuscitation? It seems that way. 

This fireman has his hands cupped around the dogs mouth as if he is blowing into it while the other firefighter has an oxygen mask ready. The dogs could have been left to die but they were not. Only four ended up dying.

The second story involves a group of dogs being caught on video as they were beaten to death. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/919610/slaughter-of-dogs-in-la-trinidad-benguet-caught-on-cam/story

A concerned citizen was able to take a video of several men involved in the alleged slaughter of dogs in La Trinidad, Benguet.

According to a report in “Saksi” on Friday, the dogs are being butchered for food or pulutan, which is a snack that is paired with alcoholic drinks. 

In the video, a dog was seen running with a man while on a leash. When it was brought to the slaughter area, the dog became restless and tried but failed to escape.

The said dog was also slaughtered, the report said. 

Also caught in the same video, men hitting an already injured dog. 

The incident was already reported to authorities.

It can be recalled that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong had ordered last June the inspection of several local eateries that are allegedly serving dog meat dishes to customers.

According to the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, anyone involved in animal cruelty could be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined P100,000.

In Benguet Province butchered dog is what you pair with your Red Horse. It's not enough to slit the dogs throat or kill the dog in a humane way. No. The dogs must be beaten to death because...the adrenaline rush makes the meat tastier?

Baguio City is also a city in Benguet Province where butchered dog is a local delicacy. In June 2024 the Mayor of Baguio City ordered an inspection into eateries that serve dog meat. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/909244/magalong-orders-inspection-of-baguio-eateries-over-alleged-serving-of-dog-meat/story/

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered the inspection of several local eateries due to the alleged serving of dog meat dishes to customers.

The mayor made the directive after authorities filed charges against a man for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 after he was caught butchering a dog in Barangay Irisan on May 30.

“We will not tolerate animal cruelty in Baguio City; the police will search and arrest violators of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Magalong in a statement on Thursday.

The charges stemmed from a video uploaded online that showed the suspect hitting the dog until it died.

Biyaya Animal Care earlier said that dog sacrificing is a common practice in the Cordillera region, but butchering a dog for a party is unacceptable.

Magalong recently said that the dog meat trade in the city has decreased significantly.

According to the law, anyone involved in animal cruelty could be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined P100,000.

Wow! Sacrificing a dog is ok but butchering a dog for a party is not. It's the Igorots who sacrifice dogs as a cleansing ritual. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052457

In the mountains of Cordillera, up in northern Philippines, the indigenous tribes of Igorots still practice the "Daw-es," an ancient ritual passed on from generation to generation, even in this age of the worldwide web.

Many of today's Igorots are also Christians. But unlike the rest of Christendom, they practice the Daw-es, not only in this season of all hallows and souls, but whenever someone died unexpectedly, or was murdered, or met an accident, especially in a massive scale like the Itogon landslide and just recently, the crumbling of the multi-story building that was still being constructed, ironically, for the country's state builders in Natonin town in Mountain Province.

About a week before Typhoon Rosita battered the Cordillera and sent the mountains' soil rolling down and engulfed some parts of the region with mud and rainwater on Tuesday afternoon of Oct. 30, the Daw-es ritual was done in Itogon town in Benguet.

The ritual was for another massive landslide induced by another typhoon (Ompong) that claimed the lives of at least 80 people, mostly small-scale miners and laborers in the mining town about a month and a half ago.

“It’s all about prayers to ask ‘Kabunyan’ (God) to cleanse the place of evil spirit, clear the people’s mind of the images of death and to thank God for the gift of life for those who were spared,” said Father Francisco Dao-ey, a native of Mountain Province, a retired priest of the Anglican church and who also facilitates the conduct of cultural practices like the Daw-es.

The ritual in Itogon was organized by the local government of Itogon town and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. It was done at Sitio Keystone, Ucab, where recovered bodies in the mid-September landslide were being identified by forensic experts.

The Daw-es is practiced by the Igorots in all parts of the Cordillera, with some variations, depending on the place. The primary purpose of the ritual is to "cleanse" the mind of the survivors, especially the rescuers, in case of massive death like in landslides or deluge.  

It is also done to rid a place of evil spirits that cause tragedies for those living.

Daw-es involves the butchering of a dog as offering to "Kabunyan," primarily to remove the images of death in the minds of those still living and to dispel evil spirits.

Pigs or chickens are also butchered and prayed over for everyone around to partake. This serves as the thanksgiving for the survivors' gift of life.

The “mambunong” (native priest), who facilitates the ritual, asks for Kabunyan’s guidance to free the minds of those "who handle the dead” of evil spirits, so they won't be hounded. It is also to pray for guidance to prevent the same disaster from happening in town.

Dao-ey said the cleansing ritual is done in various occasions and in different situations.

“It is done when somebody dies due to an extraordinary cause, when someone kills somebody, when a person is hospitalized, or after an incarceration of a person due to whatever reasons. It is a ritual that cleanses the mind of persons who handled dead bodies from seeing images of death, from having the same unfortunate incident, and to thank 'Kabunyan' for the gift of life for those spared,” he explained.

As for the Itogon tragedy, Dao-ey said he was asked by some Igorot firemen, who were directly involved in the search, rescue, and retrieval of bodies from the landslide area, as they were hounded by creepy thoughts.

“They kept on thinking and could not rid their minds of the images of the dead people,” he said.

Dao-ey said two chickens, aside from the pigs, were also served to the firemen.

“The ritual was done to rid their minds of the fear of the evil, fear of death,” he said.

The native priest said the Daw-es is usually done in groups, as a reminder that they are united in believing in such ritual as a cultural tradition.

The animal used in doing the cleansing ritual is a dog.

Michael “Pacsay” Tauli, a believer of the ritual, said the nature of the dog as a guardian is the primary reason for its use in the "cleansing" ritual.

“The dog’s bark shoos away the bad spirit. It bites, and it is a guardian. That is why it is used in the ritual,” he said.

Tauli believes that dogs are both guardians and harbingers of death. They are portrayed as such in different cultures, places, and era, he said.

Interesting that the Igorots are mostly Christian but practice dog sacrifice to ward off evil spirits and as an offering to God to remove trauma from the mind. There is NOTHING Christian about that whatsoever. But then again that's the contradiction of the Philippines.

Some Filipinos love dogs, some Filipinos eat dogs. Some Filipino Christians place their faith in the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, some Filipino Christians place their faith in the often sacrificed dog to ward off evil sprits. 

Dog Rice

A while back I bought some "Dog Rice" for my dogs.

I bought it because it was cheap. But that may not have been the best idea. I mix the rice with squash and pour dog food on top of it and the dogs eat it up but perhaps "dog rice" is not so hygienic. In fact, dog rice is being sold to the poor because regular rice prices have increased substantialy.

https://www-gmanetwork-com.translate.goog/news/balitambayan/talakayan/883956/bigas-na-para-pagkain-ng-aso-na-p30-k-binibili-na-rin-ng-mga-hikahos/story/?_x_tr_sl=tl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_hist=true

Due to the hardships of life and the expensive price of rice, the poor are now forced to pay for the rice that is sold at P30 per kilo with "dog food" written on it.

In Darlene Cay's special report, she met 53-year-old Mylene Canoy in Catmon, Malabon, who makes a living from charcoal.

According to Canoy, their income as a couple is not enough to feed their children, and they also have a grandchild.

In fact, even if he earns P50 a day, it is still not enough to buy a kilo of good quality rice. Sometimes, there are days when they don't eat three times a day.

To fill his stomach, he buys the cheapest rice he can find. Similar to Melba Sacayanan's store, which is P30 per kilo but considered dog food or food for animals.

Based on the records of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the year 2013 was the last time the price of regular milled rice reached P30 per. Today, the good variety of rice reaches P50 per kilo and above.

That is why the government issued an order last month to put a price ceiling of P41 per kilo for regular-milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice.

Compared to regular rice, the P30 per kilo "dog food" rice grain has a dark and yellowish color. Its grain is also crushed and there are also small black things that look like stones mixed in.

But for people like Canoy who have little income now, rice that is considered for animals can be theirs.

After Canoy bought cheap rice for a kilo and a half, he had nothing left to buy a dish. That's why he just borrowed a few pieces of tilapia.

According to Canoy, he washes the rice four times to get rid of the "smell."

As for senior citizen Lolita Mabborang who only relies on P5,000 pension per month, it is also difficult to find cheap rice for her husband and wife.

"The P41 [per kilo] is like us who can't buy a delicious dish, you can't even eat the color [that] because it's brown. The P45 [per kilo] is crushed," he commented.

"It's like the poor are poorer because you can't even eat what you buy, especially if you don't buy a delicious dish," he added.

According to Sacayanan who sells "dog food" rice, each kilo used to cost P33. It used to be that people only bought it for animals.

But now, it is hard for him to call such rice for dogs or for animals because it is insulting to people that they can only buy that.

As for Cathy Estavillo, spokesperson of Bantay Rice, it is said that it is sad that poor consumers are forced to buy this type of rice because the price of the good type of rice is already very high.

He said, the sold rice that is considered for animal use is rice that is old stock or flooded. The appearance is no longer pleasant, there are stones, and even insect excrement which is said to be proof that it is not for human consumption.

Aside from the steps taken by the government to lower the price of rice in the country, the Department of Agriculture will also investigate the rice that is sold as animal feed.

Canoy said the rice he bought smelled bad but I did not not notice a peculiar smell. However I did have to wash it several times to get rid of the chaff, stones, and other questionable particles which I hope were not insect excrement. When cooked it looked this:

It certainly does not look tempting or delicious. You can see it is peppered with black specks despite having been washed several times. The dogs had no issues with this rice. No one got sick or had irregular bowel movements. However I do not believe I will be buying this rice again. 

But it's not just "dog rice" which Filipinos are buying for their dogs or themselves. NFA rice is also being bought for dogs. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/03/07/1899398/nfa-slams-neda-exec-over-rice-dogs-quip

The National Food Authority has expressed disgust over the comment of a ranking official from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) that NFA rice is for dogs.

In a radio interview, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon had said some people buy the cheap NFA rice for their dogs, saying that there is a “quality difference” and that some people buy NFA rice for other uses.

NFA officer-in-charge administrator Tomas Escarez said such remarks, coming from a ranking government official, is a slap to the more than 10 million poor Filipinos who have relied on the low-priced NFA rice for their daily meals.

“This is the highest form of arrogance, callousness and being matapobre,” Escarez said.

He added that the remark is also an insult to the more than 4,000 NFA employees nationwide who have been delivering the staple to marginalized consumers in far-flung areas, isolated island provinces and poor urban areas.

The video of Edillon’s remarks also gathered negative reactions from netizens, including NFA employees, retailers and ordinary citizens.

One netizen said Edillon was being insensitive and unprofessional, emphasizing that such comment should not even come from a public servant.

“We, retailers of NFA rice, do not sell food for dogs. There are about 200 to 500 people lining up every day for the cheap rice, do you call all of them dogs?” an NFA retailer said.

The backlash from NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon's comments are totally unwarranted. She did not call poor people dogs. She simply noted that some people are buying NFA rice to feed their dogs and for other uses. It is neither callous nor arrogant to point out this fact because it is true.

A few months after this remark was made someone on Reddit admitted that they feed their dogs NFA rice. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/phmoneysaving

• corn grits, mix it with NFA rice and dog food

So, while NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon was called out for being insensitive this person was feeding her dog NFA rice. And she is most certainly not alone.

In 2008 the NFA advised people to not buy NFA rice for their dogs, chickens, and other pets.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/99768/nfa-to-pet-owners-don-t-use-rice-as-pet-food/story/

The National Food Authority in Aklan has appealed to pet owners in the province not to use NFA rice as feed to their pets, the Philippine Information Agency reported Friday. "One of the (saving) tips suggested by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the NFA in the brochure for our Rice Conservation Program is for people to refrain from using rice or palay to feed their chickens, birds, and other pets", PIA quoted Judith Tindog of NFA-Aklan Information as saying. According to the PIA report, Tindog recently learned that a woman wanted to buy NFA rice for her pet dog. She told PIA: "I appealed to the pet owner to buy dog food instead. The NFA rice sold here in the province is for our poor provincemates who are experiencing hardships due to the price increase in commercial rice and other daily commodities, coupled with expenses due to the opening of classes." Tindog said the NFA-Aklan is only selling rice by the kilos and not by bags at 5 kilos per person at P18.25 per kilo. Malacanang has also appealed to the rich not to take advantage of NFA rice.

The fact is everyone is looking for ways to save money. One of the ways to save money is to buy cheap rice especially for your pets. But if you are going to feed your animals cheap rice I would not recommend buying "dog rice." Just buy cheap regular rice.

The Continuing Saga of Dog Killua

Last week I wrote about the reaction of politicians to the death of a dog named Killua. I noted that his death is merely the tip of a large iceberg of animal abuse in the Philippines. Now, the story continues. It turns out Killua tested positive for rabies. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922680/slaughtered-dog-killua-tested-positive-for-rabies-says-paws

The slaughtered golden retriever in Camarines Sur tested positive for rabies, according to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

PAWS Director Anna Cabrera told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview on Monday that this was based on the test conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) over the weekend.

However, Cabrera noted that several factors may affect the test result.

“While the result of the testing may not be accurate due to the fact that the body had already been buried for five days prior to testing and may have been contaminated from being in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered, PAWS is making this announcement to ensure that any bites or scratches will be reported promptly in the interest of public health and safety,” Cabrera said in a statement.

Cabrera said they also immediately informed the owner, who is now considered at risk for the virus after hugging “the bloodied body of her beloved dog when she found him at a known dog slaughter area.”

The standard protocol for a suspected rabid animal is for it to “be observed for fourteen (14) days or, in case of highly suspected rabies cases, be humanely euthanized with no damage to the head,” according to the BAI’s Manual of Procedure for Rabies.

Cabrera also learned that Solares owned a carinderia, but she clarified to INQUIRER.net that it could not be determined if they were selling dog meat.

But she noted that “Solares owns a carinderia business which sells meat viands near the dog slaughter area.”

Arazas, as well as consumers of stray dogs in the area, should get post-exposure vaccines, said PAWS.

The results "may have been contaminated from being in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered." In an interview with News5Everywhere Dr. Josen Sumeldan says this is impossible because the rabies virus needs a living host. 

But how would Killua contract rabies if, as the owner claims, Killua was an inside dog?

(Killua doesn’t even go outside, and it might have been stressed by the environment outside because it was used to staying inside the house.)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/901013/dog-beaten-to-death-by-neighbor-in-camarines-sur/story/

Perhaps the owner is being less than truthful? In the same interview with Dr. Josen Sumeldan the owner claims the dog was not properly vaccinated as the vaccine was not administered by a veterinarian.

The ones who called for the vaccine like him, my brother was the only one who injected since they are also in the health field and they also have knowledge in injecting. Although it's really wrong to inject yourself because only licensed vets with data do that.

Cleary this lady has made some questionable decisions. What else is she not telling?

The other thing here is that the dog was killed "in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered" for food. PAWS is not sure if Anthony Solares was selling dog meat but they are filing a case against him anyway. 

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2024/03/25/272584/paws-file-case-killua-killer-dog-meat-trading/

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society or PAWS on Monday said that it is filing a criminal complaint against Anthony Solares, the man who ended Killua‘s life, for violating the law that prohibits people from engaging in the dog meat trade.

The non-profit organization on Monday confirmed that Solares brought the pet dog to a “known slaughterhouse and dog meat cooking area” after killing the animal who was found lifeless in a sack on March 17.

It added that he “owns a carinderia business which sells meat viands near the dog slaughter area.”

Killua was previously found lifeless in a sack by his owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, after Solares led them to their pet following the incident.

Some internet users who saw the posts, including those claiming to live near Bato, Camarines Sur, claimed the suspect had darker intentions.

“In-anxiety ako [niyan] kahapon. Actually, it’s near my hometown. And they are known to kill dogs for them to cook and eat. [Sabi] din ng mga kakilala ko, kaya siya nasa sako kasi [kakatayin] na at [lulutuin] na. I deactived my FB [Facebook] because of that,” TikTok user @user81227158815 wrote before.

In a separate interview, Solares denied both sacking the dog and having intentions to cook it. He also said he did not intend to kill the animal, claiming he only did it to defend people from getting bitten by the dog.

Meanwhile, PAWS said it is filing a complaint against Solares for violating Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which prohibits trading dogs for meat.

It also called on those who may have consumed dog meat coming from the area where Killua’s body was found to get post-exposure shots.

“They are at great risk. Dog meat traders are not only cruel people but pose a serious threat to public health,” the org said.

So, people are aware there is a “known slaughterhouse and dog meat cooking area” and they say nothing until now? Or perhaps complaints were lodged and the barangay and the PNP simply did not care enough to investigate. It turns out that Anthony Solares is a barangay kagawad.

PAWS, along with the dog’s owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, lodged a complaint against Kagawad Anthony Solares at the Provincial Prosecution Office of Camarines Sur.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922833/paws-on-filing-case-against-killuas-killer

Rappler says Solares is merely a barangay tanod.

Last week, Killua’s case sparked outrage in social media, after it was reported that the golden retriever was allegedly killed by Solares, a barangay tanod.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/killua-owner-sues-golden-retriever-killer/

Either way this story has taken a dark and disgusting turn and my original statement remains. The killing of dog Killua is the tip of an animal abuse iceberg in the Philippines. And it includes slaughtering dogs for food. 

The Killing of Dog Killua is The Tip of An Animal Abuse Iceberg

The recent killing of a beloved golden retriever has sparked outrage across the nation. A neighbor was caught on CCTV chasing the dog before he killed it. The video spread virally on social media even reaching the eyeballs of the inutile politicians who govern the Philippines. Their solution? More laws!!

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/21/2342174/killing-dog-killua-slammed

Animal welfare education should be mandated for elementary and high school students after the killing of Golden Retriever “Killua,” according to Sen. Grace Poe.

On March 17, Camarines Sur resident Anthony Solares killed the dog, claiming that Killua was aggressive.

The act was caught in a closed-circuit television footage posted on social media by Killua’s owner Vina Rachelle Arazas. Solares was seen hitting the dog as it ran around trying to escape.

The dog’s remains were later found in a sack.

“I am heartbroken and enraged to hear of the mauling of Killua, a golden retriever. Mr. Anthony Solares admitted to slaughtering Killua, claiming that the dog chased his child. However, his actions, which were captured in a CCTV video, were fraught with excessive violence and showed that it was Killua who was being chased,” Poe said in her privilege speech on Tuesday.

In Senate Bill 2458 that Poe filed, the “Revised Animal Welfare Act” shall include mandatory animal welfare education in the curriculum for primary and secondary education students.

“We hope to pass this bill soon and put an end to despicable incidents such as what happened to Killua,” she added.

Members of the House of Representatives condemned the killing of Killua, with lawmakers calling for amendments to the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

“I think it would be the best time for us to revisit this law. The maximum penalty of imprisonment for the violation, for instance, on the killing of an animal is six months to one year of imprisonment, with the penalty or a fine of not exceeding P100,000,” said Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Bongalon.

He also urged the Philippine Animal Welfare Society to raise awareness of laws against animal cruelty.

“What should be done? Perhaps we can empower our (local government units) in enforcing this law. It is because they are the ones at the grassroots level,” House Deputy Speaker David Suarez told legislative reporters at a briefing.

“I would understand maybe if he scared the dog. But to kill the animal already speaks of the motive, that there is really an intent to end the life of that animal. To me, it is tantamount to straight-up murder,” said Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Almario.

It should not need to be said but, "Laws DO NOT prevent crime."

The fact is animal abuse happens all the time in the Philippines and no one cares. The only reason anyone care about Killua is because of the CCTV footage and the pictures of him celebrating his birthday in a tuxedo bib. For every Killua there are other unnamed animals who's death goes unchampioned.

Take for instance the abuse of a cats. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/901314/cat-found-shot-in-head-with-an-arrow-in-davao-city/story/

A cat was shot in the head with a bow and arrow in Davao City, according to the report of GMA News Regional TV One Mindanao on "State of the Nation" Thursday.

The cat was rescued and rushed to the veterinary clinic by a concerned citizen for an emergency operation.

The surgical procedure was complicated as the arrow hit the cat’s brain. The operation on the cat was eventually declared successful.

The person who shot the cat remains unidentified.

Meanwhile, a house cat was found allegedly bludgeoned to death at an alley in Naga City.

Based on statements from residents, there had already been multiple incidents of house cats being killed within the area.

Barangay officials are working on identifying the suspect behind the string of cases of animal cruelty.

In Davao someone shot an arrow into a cat's head. In Naga City a cat was found bludgeoned to death being one of a number of killed cats in the area.

In Cavite cats at the local pound had to resort to cannibalism.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/901107/cavite-pound-probed-over-cat-cannibalism/story/

A barangay-run animal pound in Dasmariñas, Cavite is under investigation for animal neglect after a video surfaced of cats eating the bodies of their fellow felines.

In a report by Darlene Cay in Unang Balita on Wednesday, a concerned resident made the grisly discovery after she went to the pound to help her friend find a pet cat.

(I became confused because it was the first time I saw something like that. I was very angry and upset. I ended up crying.)

Yvette suspected that the cats in the pound were not adequately fed, so they could do nothing but eat each other. Based on the video, some cats appeared weak, their water bowls were dirty and there was no food inside their cages either.

Yvette said they talked to the barangay chairman, who agreed to transfer the cats to a shelter, but he said she was shocked when the 20 cats were released the next day.

Still, the barangay captain maintains they did not abandon the cats and fed them twice daily.

(The truth is that I have two caretakers of the cats but we still can't watch them for 24 hours, so when they noticed the cats being fed they would end up fighting.)

The people at the cat pound suspected that three cats died because of fighting. They said the more aggressive ones ate the dead cats.

According to the veterinarian Dr. Ferds Recio, extreme hunger may be the reason for the cannibalistic behavior. He said that cats are natural hunters.

(It can be due to starvation since they don't have any food. It is also true that they will kill their fellow cats for them to eat. It doesn't mean that one hundred percent they have nothing to eat, so they will kill their partner. It is possible, but it is not one hundred percent sure.)

If it is proven that cats were neglected or abused, the barangay officials can be held responsible for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

There are also reports from time to time of tricycle drivers being apprehended for collecting dogs set to be slaughtered and eaten. The point here is that no law is going to stop animal abuse in the Philippines. Abuse happens because some people simply do not care about the well being of animals. 

This issue is not much different from the weekly slaughter of current and former political officials. Once in a while the violence is recognized at the national level and passionate speeches condemning the violence and calling for an investigation are made in Congress but for the most part it is an endemic problem about which no one cares. Stopping animal abuse in the Philippines will take a huge cultural shift and that is nowhere in the cards at this point.