The Angeles City Municipal Trial Court Branch 3 on February 13, 2024, found guilty the three accused who slaughtered a dog for personal consumption in Barangay Lourdes Sur for violation of Republic Act 8485, otherwise known as Animal Welfare Act of 1998, and were fined 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 filed 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,” Lazatin stressed.
The said 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 (CVO) Officer-In-Charge Dr. Christian Xyric C. Arcilla, who witnessed the cruelty inflicted to the animals by the accused.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, both known as animal 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 the said animal slaughter last Feb. 2023 and immediately coordinated with the Mayor’s Office.
This urged Mayor Lazatin to order Calaguas and Manuel, to dispatch a response team who confirmed the incident.
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.
To recall, Dr. Arcilla with City Legal Officer Atty. Ralph Macalino filed criminal cases against the individuals for violation of Republic Act No. 8485 last Feb 2023.
“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,” Macalino added.
