ANGELES CITY — The Angeles City Municipal Trial Court Branch 3 on Feb. 13, 2024, found guilty the three accused of slaughtering a dog for personal consumption in Barangay Lourdes Sur for violation of RA 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998), and fined them P6,000 each.
The accused were identified as Amorsolo David Guevarra, Renato Henson Halili, and Jerry Locading Mari.
This is the first time in the history of the local government to win a criminal case of this nature.
Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. considers the conviction of the three men as a victory for the cause of animal welfare. “Angeles City is a refuge for stray canines and felines rescued by the city veterinary office, and I hope that this victory will serve as a deterrent to those who would commit similar acts of cruelty.”
The court decision noted that the three accused pled guilty to the city government’s charges against them which was filed by Angeles City Veterinary Office OIC Dr. Christian Xyric C. Arcilla who witnessed the cruelty inflicted to the animals by the accused.
Lazatin’s chief adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, both known animal rights advocates, were pleased with the trial court’s decision, commending both the prosecution and the trial court for their swift and decisive action in this case.
The suit stemmed after Vice Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting received a report of an animal slaughter last February 2023 and immediately coordinated with the Mayor’s Office.
This urged Lazatin to order Calaguas and Manuel to dispatch a response team who confirmed the incident. Dr. Arcilla with city legal officer Atty. Ralph Macalino filed criminal cases against the individuals for violation of RA 8485 immediately thereafter.
Premium animal welfare is among the priority programs of the Lazatin administration, such as free anti-rabies, neutering and spaying, and improving the animal pound facility.
“This initiative of Mayor Lazatin’s leadership would be deterrent in preventing the commission of similar criminal acts in the future,” Atty. Macalino said. “This will all the more show the city’s commitment in ensuring that peace and order is observed in the community at all times.” Angeles CIO
