The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has requested a comprehensive, nationwide investigation into pet crematoria operations following public outrage over reports that deceased companion animals were illegally dumped instead of cremated.
The demand for a broad probe follows a disturbing discovery in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Authorities found seven large sacks containing the remains of 26 dogs and 3 cats abandoned in a vacant lot. Investigations traced the remains back to Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, a facility operating out of Bacoor, Cavite.
Grieving pet owners reported paying substantial fees for individual cremation services, only to find out their pets were discarded and that they had likely received fake or unverified ashes. Following the incident, local authorities in Bacoor shut down the business after its operators failed to provide CCTV footage or proof of cremation.
In response, PAWS formally petitioned several government and law enforcement agencies to step in and enforce strict accountability across the industry:
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Instruct local government units (LGUs) to inspect local pet crematoria and verify business permits and operational clearances.
- Department of Health (DOH): Investigate health and sanitation violations linked to the mishandling and improper disposal of animal remains.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Assess environmental law violations through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regarding the illegal dumping of carcasses.
- Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI): Clarify regulatory standards for pet crematories and tighten oversight.
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Help affected pet owners pursue legal remedies under the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) for deceptive practices.
- Philippine National Police (PNP) & National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): Assist victims in filing complaints and launching criminal investigations, specifically for Estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.
PAWS noted that while disposing of already deceased animals does not fall under the strict definition of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act, the actions amount to severe consumer fraud, environmental degradation, and a breach of public trust.
”Pet parents deserve the assurance that the cremation services they pay for are actually performed and that their beloved companions are treated with dignity even after death,” PAWS stressed.
”The trust of grieving pet parents must never be exploited.”