19/02/2024
MAN SENTENCED TO SIX (6) MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR BEATING DOG. Last February 8, Judge Lady Ivy Vanity Velasco of Malabon City MeTC Branch 56 sentenced Jojo Garillo to six (6) months imprisonment for severely injuring a dog.
In January 2023, Garillo had hit the dog with a heavy piece of wood causing lacerations on the dog's eyelid, a swollen mandible and the dislocation of his first cervical vertebrae. According to evidence, Garillo had hit the dog because the animal had accidentally wandered into his kitchen and scattered some pots and pans.
Marilyn Gacutanan, owner of the dog - an aspin (native dog) named Ungasis -approached PAWS for help because she was distraught about her beloved dog being beaten in such way and the fact that Garillo was unapologetic.
"Pwede naman nyang itaboy lang. Aksidente lang nakalabas yung a*o ko at mabait yun. Ngayon, sabi ng vet, di na daw pwedeng magsuot ng collar si Ungasis. Harness lang daw kase merong dislocation sa neck area. Sana matuto ang mga tao na hindi maging ganung kalupit at maging mas understanding sa mga hayop."
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The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines or Republic Act 8485, as amended by RA 10631 makes unlawful the torture or maltreatment of any animal. Penalties range from fines up to P250,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 years. Most cases do not reach courts because of witnesses' refusal to file affidavits against the animal offenders. Police officers and barangay officials are also not immediately alerted to acts of animal cruelty when they are in progress so that the perpetrators can be arrested.
If animal offenders are not caught in the act by law enforcement officers (police), PAWS offers legal assistance in the filing of cases with the Prosecutor's Office.
Learn more about how to file a case here
https://paws.org.ph/prosecution/
Our volunteers need funding help for trips to various courts, and for photocopying and printing expenses. Please support our prosecution efforts and help stop animal cruelty: see PAWS GCash QR Code in the Comments section and bank details here https://paws.org.ph/donate/
Thank you for helping make a stand for the animals, PAWS friends!
