ANGELES CITY – Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has asked the city police force to investigate the reported incident of animal cruelty allegedly perpetrated by a college dean Oct. 5, and file appropriate charges within 72 hours.
“I have said this many times before, and I reiterate: there is no room in a civilized society for this kind of senseless violence toward a helpless animal,” Lazatin said.
“Regardless if the animal is a stray that accidentally wandered inside school premises, it is not a reason to enact violence on the poor animal. We are human beings; therefore, we have been granted logic and reason. We should exercise utmost patience and humanity when dealing with an animal that lacks the same level of thinking,” he added.
On Oct. 5, a video circulated on social media showing an alleged college dean from Systems Plus College Foundation beating up a dog inside a building. Later social media posts also claimed that the said dog, beaten and bleeding from the head, was stuffed inside an empty water drum to suffocate.
If proven to be true, these actions are a violation of RA 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998).
“That this violent act was allegedly committed by an educator at one of the highest levels in a learning institution is both disgraceful and disappointing. In our desire to achieve higher education and learning, may we never lose sight of morality and compassion,” Lazatin said.
The congressman has been known to staunchly advocate for animal welfare programs and policies throughout his years in public service.
On March 19, 2026, Lazatin filed House Bill. 8710, which seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act through the establishment of “No-Kill” Animal Shelters and Public Veterinary Offices in all cities and municipalities in the country.
Rescued animals that remain unclaimed by their owners at the shelter shall be made available for adoption or rehoming, subject to screening standards to be determined by the local veterinary office and Implementing Rules and Regulations.
HB No. 8710 also mandates the establishment of public veterinary clinics in every city and municipality, which shall be duly-registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry and issued a Certificate of Registration prior to operation, in accordance with RA 8485, as amended by RA 10631.
During Lazatin’s time as city mayor, the Angeles City LGU established the first-ever BAI-accredited “no-kill” animal shelter in the Province of Pampanga.
The 103-capacity Angeles City Animal Shelter received its BAI accreditation in May 2023 and was formally opened on July 18, 2023. On Oct. 15, 2024, the shelter received the Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter award from the Department of Agriculture Field Office III.
Through the city Veterinary office, the Angeles City LGU carried out a free spaying/neutering and anti-rabies vaccination program, with some 5,973 pets spayed/neutered and 130,520 pets vaccinated. Lazatin Media Team
