Trigger warning: Animal cruelty
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) announced on Monday, March 25, that Killua, the dog that was brutally killed, had tested positive for rabies in a test conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
PAWS Says Slaughtered Dog Killua Tested Positive For Rabies, Still Pushes Through With Criminal Complaint
In a statement released on Facebook, PAWS urged those who may have been scratched or bitten by the dog to immediately get post-exposure shots. This also includes Killua's fur parent, Vina Arazas, who hugged the bloodied body of her dog when she discovered him at a known dog slaughter area in Sta. Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur.
PAWS noted that the result of the testing "may not be accurate," since the dog's body had already been buried for five days prior to testing and "may have been contaminated from being in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered." According to the organization, they were making this public announcement to ensure that anyone who experienced bites or scratches will report immediately in the interest of public health and safety.
In spite of this, PAWS remains staunch in its belief that no person should kill an animal, even if it has been infected with rabies.
On the same day that this was announced, PAWS, alongside Killua's fur mom Vina, still pushed through with filing criminal charges against the perpetrator, Anthony Solares, for animal cruelty. CCTV footage that circulated online showed him chasing the dog and beating it to death.
Aside from this, PAWS is also filing charges for the violation of RA 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act, for allegedly engaging in the dog meat trade. According to the NGO, after the dog was killed, the perpetrator brought the dog to a known slaughterhouse and dog meat cooking area. It was reported that he owned a karinderya that sells meat products near the dog slaughter area.
What happened to Killua?
Killua's case sparked outrage on social media after the CCTV footage of the perpetrator showed him chasing the dog and even going as far as poking Killua who was hiding under a car to get him out. He was eventually seen beating the dog to death. Photos and videos posted by Killua's owner on March 17, 2024 included the dog's lifeless body found in a sack.
The hashtag #JusticeForKillua trended on social media after Killua's owner and other media outlets reported on his brutal killing. Aside from netizens, celebrities also posted about their outrage on social media, including Sarah Geronimo, Janella Salvador, Carla Abellana, and more.
