Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has strongly condemned the discovery of 29 dead cats and dogs found abandoned in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, labeling the incident a cruel offense against defenseless animals and their owners.
“Absolutely disturbing and despicable!” De Lima said in a statement Sunday, November 1 as she condemned what she described as the inhumane treatment of the animals.
De Lima emphasized that the incident deeply disrespects grieving families who viewed their pets as cherished household members.
“Napakawalanghiya ng ginawa sa 29 furbabies na natagpuan sa San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. How could they have committed such an evil act against innocent souls and the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones?
”HINDI SILA MGA BASURA NA ITATAPON LANG!” she said, with emphasis.
The lawmaker called for a thorough investigation to identify and penalize those responsible, warning that unchecked animal cruelty will persist without stricter legal safeguards.
She urged her congressional colleagues to prioritize the passage of the Animal Welfare Enforcement Act and the Revised Animal Welfare Act to ensure humane treatment and end such violence.
“Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga kapwa mambabatas: Gawin din nating prayoridad ang pagsasabatas ng panukala nating Animal Welfare Enforcement Act at Revised Animal Welfare Act para matigil ang karahasan at higit na maipaunawa ang nararapat at makataong pagtrato sa mga hayop,” she said.
“Justice for the 29 furbabies! Justice for their families! STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY!” added the former senator and Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) reported that the animals were supposedly given to a pet crematorium by owners seeking a proper farewell, only to be illegally dumped.
Characterizing the deceit as a potential case of estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, PAWS urged affected pet owners to preserve records and receipts, seek legal support, and called on local authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident.