Senators are pushing for a legislative inquiry following the discovery of 29 dead animals dumped in an empty lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, allegedly linked to a Bacoor, Cavite-based pet crematorium.
Senator Pia Cayetano announced on Monday that she will file a resolution to investigate whether existing laws adequately regulate pet cremation and aftercare services. Describing the incident as severe negligence, she emphasized that grieving owners are entitled to compensation.
“Pet owners have a right to demand fulfillment of the contract and seek damages for the harm and distress they have suffered,” Cayetano said, adding that improper animal disposal poses public health and sanitation risks.
Senate Senior Majority Leader JV Ejercito also called for a probe to identify regulatory gaps in the pet aftercare industry. He supported the Bacoor local government’s move to shut down Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium and backed ongoing police investigations.
“We will look into this matter in aid of legislation to determine what gaps need to be addressed and what measures can be strengthened to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” Ejercito said.
“Hindi sapat ang refund para mapanagutan ang ganitong uri ng kapabayaan at posibleng pang-aabuso,” he added.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan echoed the call for accountability, noting that the unauthorized dumping may violate the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and local health codes. He pointed out that taking payments for unperformed services could constitute estafa under the Revised Penal Code, alongside civil liability for breach of contract.
“Kung mapatutunayang niloko sila, dapat managot ang mga nasa likod nito,” Pangilinan said.
To prevent similar issues moving forward, Pangilinan plans to incorporate regulatory provisions for pet crematoriums into the upcoming final draft of the Revised Animal Welfare Act, also known as Dolly’s Act.
The controversy centers on Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor, which faces permanent closure. Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla reported that business owner Jonathan Legaspi failed to provide proper documentation showing the animals were actually cremated.
Initial city findings also revealed that the facility could not guarantee the authenticity of the ashes returned to grieving pet owners.
Authorities are currently investigating to confirm if the animal remains discovered in Bulacan came from the Bacoor facility.