Animal cruelty even in death
Hundreds of pet owners recently encountered a horror story when they found out that the remains of their pets had been dumped in a vacant lot in Bulacan instead of being cremated. The discovery happened ahead of ‘Undas,’ when Filipinos traditionally honor their dead.
At least 250 pet owners have now filed complaints against Cavite-based Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium over the alleged mishandling of the deceased cats and dogs entrusted to the facility. This could only be the tip of the iceberg with more dump sites discovered in Bulacan and, possibly, in other parts of Metro Manila.
What is equally concerning is that several owners who reported to have already received urns containing ashes from the crematorium found their pets’ bodies among the dumped animals.
This has made other pet owners who have previously availed of cremation services fearing the possibility that their dead pets met the same fate, only that it was not exposed, especially since they were not given any proof—videos or photos—that the process was done.
Wider investigation
The horror was exposed on Oct. 29 when animal rescue group Luna and Furry Siblings discovered the remains of 25 pets inside sacks labeled with the animals’ names in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
The rescuers were responding to a report of an unrelated animal neglect case when they made the discovery. It triggered a wider investigation into previous dumping cases in the area and yielded more remains just minutes away from the original dumping ground.
What’s more horrifying is that some of the earlier remains were allegedly dumped in November last year after a worker from the local veterinary office called attention to the incident at the time. It was not the first time that the same worker had apparently uncovered the dumping of remains. In May, a batch, similarly bagged and labeled, was also discovered.
This is distressing for pet owners who consider these animals like family only to find out that they were not only fleeced out of their money but their pets were also denied a dignified service that has already been paid for.
Authorities are looking into two possible violations: estafa charges under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code if it is proven that the crematorium collected payments for services that were never performed; dumping of animal carcasses under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; and other local sanitation ordinances.
Beloved companions
“The incident raises deeply troubling questions about the handling, transport, and proper disposition of animal remains,” the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association said in a statement. It called for an investigation and appropriate accountability from those behind such questionable practices.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, on the other hand, said the incident was not covered by the Animal Welfare Act because the animals had already died. “However,” it said, “alleged misrepresentation of cremation services, the improper disposal of animal remains and any other violations established by the evidence must be investigated.”
It reiterated its call for legislation establishing a National Commission on Animal Welfare to license, inspect, and regulate animal-related facilities, including aftercare providers.
“Pet parents entrust these establishments with the remains of beloved companions at a particularly vulnerable moment of grief,” the group said. “They deserve the assurance that the services they pay for are actually performed, and that their companions are treated with dignity even after death.”
Top in pet ownership
Lawmakers are right in calling for regulation and greater government oversight of the pet care industry, especially given the popularity of related services due to the rise of pet ownership.
A survey by Kantar Philippines in January 2024 revealed that 94 percent of Filipino households owned pets, making the country top in pet ownership in Southeast Asia.
“Pets are not just animals in the Philippines—they are treated like family members, and their health, happiness, and well-being are top priorities for their owners,” the International Trade Organization said in a market intelligence report in September 2024.
Congress must act on pending bills that strengthen the country’s animal welfare framework by penalizing cruelty and giving institutions teeth to enforce the law and provide basic services.
Pending legislative action, these pet-related businesses should be inspected, audited, and checked whether they have the license to operate, are complying with environmental requirements, and making the owners take accountability.
This tragic incident also serves as a stark reminder that unscrupulous individuals will not hesitate to exploit anyone—whether living or dead, human or animal—for profit. Time to make them pay.
