Bacoor Orders Closure of Pet Crematorium Linked to 29 Dead Dogs and Cats Dumped in San Jose del Monte
A pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite has been ordered closed after the remains of 29 dogs and cats that were supposedly entrusted to it for cremation were found dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla said on Saturday night, October 31, that the city implemented a closure order against Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium after receiving complaints from pet owners, Rappler and the Daily Tribune reported. The remains were found in sacks and plastic bags in Barangay Minuyan Proper, with some bags still bearing the pets’ names and recorded weights.
“Based sa initial investigation, at sa testimony ng mga witness, merong isang white van, na di-umano, nag-drop ng mga sacks dito at biglang umalis na lang, walang kahit anong pasabi,” Police Staff Sergeant Patrick Llanza of the San Jose del Monte police told ABS-CBN News. (Based on the initial investigation and the witnesses’ testimony, a white van allegedly dropped off the sacks here and suddenly left without any word.)
Revilla said the city met with the crematorium’s owner, Jonathan Legaspi, and more than 30 pet owners. The establishment reportedly has two cremation machines, one in Bacoor and another in Caloocan City. The owner admitted that some pets were brought to Caloocan, but he could not show enough documents, CCTV footage, or other proof that the cremations were actually done. He also could not guarantee that the ashes returned to owners came from their own pets.
“Nauunawaan natin ang sakit at galit ng mga pet owners. Ang ating mga alagang hayop ay hindi lamang basta hayop, kundi bahagi ng ating pamilya,” the mayor said in a statement quoted by Philstar.com. (We understand the pain and anger of the pet owners. Our pets are not just animals; they are part of our family.)
Meanwhile, the San Jose del Monte City Police Station said 16 dogs and two cats were recovered during the exhumation of previously buried remains on Saturday night. On Sunday, the rescue group Luna and Furry Siblings, which first raised the incident online, said all of the pets had been claimed by their owners, INQUIRER.net reported. “No furbabies left behind, all claimed by their owner,” the group wrote.
Complaints for estafa and civil damages are being handled by the Bacoor City Police. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) urged affected pet owners to keep their receipts, certificates, messages, and photos and to seek legal help, saying the alleged acts may constitute estafa.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine who is responsible for dumping the animals.
READ ALSO: 29 Animal Remains Found Dumped in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; Community Seeks Justice
