Cavite pet crematorium ordered closed

MANILA, Philippines — A pet crematorium was ordered closed by the Bacoor City government following the discovery of the remains of 29 pets in plastic bags dumped along a roadside in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan.

Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla said on social media that he had ordered the closure of the Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, following complaints from pet owners, and asked the Philippine National Police to probe its owner and pursue appropriate charges.

Revilla said police investigators were directed to visit the site in Bulacan where 26 dogs and three cats were dumped, as he called on the owners to identify their pets.

“I am asking for the help of our complainants. They must identify their dogs so that our investigation can be strengthened. We need complainants. We need evidence to present,” the mayor said.

He said the owner of the facility, Jonathan Legaspi, claimed that some of the pets were brought to their other cremation center in Caloocan, but could not provide sufficient documents or evidence to prove that the procedure had been carried out.

Some pet owners have sought financial compensation and damages, while others plan to file complaints with the assistance of the police.

Animal rights group Philippine Animal Welfare Society has urged the fur parents to take legal action against the pet crematorium. PAWS said the incident did not directly violate the Animal Welfare Act because the pets were already deceased when turned over to the crematorium.

However, the incident may constitute estafa by means of deceit and the crematorium could still be held liable under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.

“Pet parents paid for a service that was supposed to provide their beloved companions with a dignified farewell. Instead, their remains were reportedly dumped like garbage in a vacant lot,” PAWS said.

The group urged the affected pet parents to unite and preserve evidence, such as receipts, cremation certificates, communications and photos, which are necessary for filing the appropriate complaint. – Josiah Antonio

“Each complaint, supported by evidence, can help establish the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and prevent other grieving families from experiencing the same,” PAWS said.