Following the discovery of 29 dead dogs and cats dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged affected pet owners to move beyond social media and file formal complaints against a Bacoor City pet crematorium.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that legal action is necessary to hold those responsible accountable.
“Affected pet owners should come forward and help investigators establish the alleged fraudulent transactions and identify those responsible,” Nartatez said.
He assured victims that police offices are prepared to offer full assistance with case build-up and filings.
“Any form of deception that exploits the trust of grieving pet owners is deeply concerning and must be addressed with the full force of the law. We will not tolerate acts that victimize the public and undermine the trust that should exist between service providers and the communities they serve,” he added.
Ongoing Investigation
Police units in Bulacan and Cavite have been instructed to coordinate with local law enforcement to track down the individuals who transported and dumped the animal remains using a white van. Investigators are currently reviewing business permits, facility equipment, procedures, and CCTV footage along the suspected route.
Additionally, forensic tests will verify whether the recovered remains match the pets entrusted to the facility and whether the ashes returned to grieving families were authentic.
Potential Charges
Authorities are looking into multiple charges against the establishment, including standard estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, syndicated estafa, and civil claims for damages. Violations of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines are also being considered.
The PNP encourages complainants to secure and submit all transaction records, receipts, and cremation certificates.
“Fraud is not measured solely by the amount of money taken, but also by the damage inflicted on the people whose trust has been betrayed. The PNP will support efforts to establish accountability and ensure that all evidence of possible criminal wrongdoing is properly investigated,” Nartatez stated.
“To the affected pet owners, we recognize the pain and distress this incident has caused your families. We assure you that the PNP stands ready to assist in the investigation, protect your rights, and work with concerned agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law,” he concluded.