Owner could face 90 years in jail, P7.5-M fine for 30 dogs’ death — Pangilinan

FILE: Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday condemned the death of the dogs. (Photo: Kiko Pangilinan/Facebook)

The owner of the dogs which died as they were carried inside a closed van on their way to a dog show in Marikina last December 2 may be penalized with 90 years of imprisonment and a P7.5-million fine for violating the Amended Animal Welfare Act.

On December 2, 40 dogs were placed inside a closed van with no proper ventilation and were transported from Novaliches, Quezon City to a dog show by the Philippine Canine Club Inc. in Marikina.

Upon reaching the venue, some 30 dogs were already found either passed out or deceased. The dogs were rushed to veterinarians but some died the following day.

The incident was confirmed by the Philippine Canine Club, Inc (PCCI), in a statement on December 6.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday condemned the death of the dogs.

“It’s time to stop treating animals as mere commodities. How we regard animals show our capacity for empathy and decency, kindness and humanity,” Pangilinan said.

According to the Philippine Canine Club Inc., the owner of the dogs is one of its members. In its statement, the organization said that the dog owner has already been suspended pending the results of its investigation.

Pangilinan, however, said that the statement issued by the PCCI is “sorely lacking amid the tragic fate suffered by the dogs.”

“The negligent person should not face mere suspension but penalties imposed by the law if proven guilty,” Pangilinan said.

The senator cited various penalties for violation of the law range from six months in jail and/or P30,000 fine, up to three years in prison and/or P250,000 penalty.

“If 30 dogs died in the incident as reported, that would be 30 counts, with maximum penalties of up to 90 years imprisonment and/or P7.5 million fine,” he added.