By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe expressed being “heartbroken” and “enraged” by the killing of a Golden Retriever named Killiua that went viral on social media.
“I am heartbroken and enraged to hear about the mauling of Killua, a Golden Retriever… It is, of course, up to our courts to decide on the matter. However, the public should be aware that there are laws which prohibit and punish the cruel treatment of animals,” Poe said in a statement.
“If we are to create a kinder society where animals and humans can co-exist in harmony, we must raise awareness on the proper, responsible, and humane treatment of animals,” the senator added.
Poe cited the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, amended by Republic Act 10631, which states that it shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, maltreat any animal, or subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horse fights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.
Senator JV Ejercito also condemned the act, stating it “clearly violates the law and goes against the principles of compassion and decency.”
“As a fellow dog lover, witnessing the disturbing video of Killua, a Golden Retriever, being brutally killed is truly heartbreaking. I vehemently condemn this act… Our beloved companions, often considered man’s best friend, should never be subjected to such cruelty,” he added.
Earlier, netizens used the hashtag #JusticeForKillua as CCTV footage was released on social media, showing that the pet dog allegedly attacked a resident, which prompted the man to beat Killua to death.
(el Amigo/MNM)
