MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda has called on relevant government agencies to review existing regulations governing pet cremation and animal aftercare services. The appeal follows the recent discovery of dumped animal remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, allegedly linked to a local pet aftercare provider.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that up to 250 individuals are preparing to file formal complaints against Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium. Authorities recovered the remains of 29 pets—comprising 26 dogs and three cats—that were discovered dumped in a vacant lot instead of being properly cremated.
According to Bulacan police director Col. Jay Baybayan, the management of Ahjay Paws could face estafa charges alongside civil liabilities.
Condemning the incident, Legarda described the situation as deeply troubling, emphasizing that grieving pet owners place immense trust in professional aftercare services during moments of loss.
“Our pets are cherished members of our families. For their owners, entrusting their remains to a cremation srevice is a final act of love and respect,” Legarda said.
“To allegedly exploit that trust, collect payment for services that may not have been rendered, and discard their remains without dignity is unconscionable,” she added.
The senator urged the National Bureau of Investigation (PNP), the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement bodies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify the responsible parties, and file appropriate criminal charges.
“Those who deliberately deceive grieving pet owners must be held accountable under the law,” she reiterated.
Furthermore, Legarda noted that the incident exposes major gaps in the oversight and monitoring of the pet aftercare industry.
She called on the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Health, and the Department of Trade and Industry to evaluate current safeguards and enforce strict compliance.
“We must strengthen the standards governing these services to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Compassion for animals does not end with their passing. We owe them dignity, and we owe their families honesty, respect and accountability,” Legarda concluded.