NBI launches probe on pet crematorium

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a probe into a pet crematorium following the discovery of 25 animal remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and complaints from pet owners who paid for cremation services.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag yesterday directed several bureau divisions, led by the Environmental Crimes Division, to investigate Bacoor City-based Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium and determine whether pet owners were deceived.

The investigation will also be supported by NBI regional offices in Calabarzon and central Luzon.

Matibag said the bureau would look into possible estafa charges under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code against the crematorium, if evidence shows that payments were collected for services not actually rendered.

“It is unacceptable that the trust and hard-earned money of pet owners were repaid with fraud. Instead of being properly cremated, their pets’ remains were allegedly discarded like garbage,” Matibag said, adding the alleged disposal of animal remains, instead of proper cremation, was a betrayal of public trust.

The NBI will examine the facility’s business permits, equipment, closed-circuit television footage and records documenting the handling of animal remains.

Matibag urged affected pet owners to submit receipts, cremation certificates and relevant communications to the NBI headquarters to help build a case.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) yesterday called on the government to conduct a nationwide investigation on the operations of pet crematoriums.

“The reported discovery of the remains of deceased companion animals allegedly dumped instead of being cremated has raised serious concerns about the integrity of pet cremation services in the Philippines,” PAWS said.

It called on the “appropriate government agencies to investigate not only the establishment involved in the reported incident, but also other pet crematoria operating throughout the country.” — Evelyn Macairan