IMUS CITY, Cavite — Authorities checking a pickup truck whose driver had fled after colliding with an SUV in Imus Cuty, Cavite Thursday morning found the carcasses of 72 dogs apparently being transported to be sold as food.
Although Republic Act No. 8485, or “The Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” bans the killing of animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabao, horse, deer and crocodiles except for cultural, religious, scientific and health reasons, dog meat is still consumed and is considered a delicacy by some.
Although the slaughtered animals were believed being transported to northern Luzon, Imus Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi ordered the inspection of restaurants in the city for the possible sale of the banned meat.
Aside from violating the Animal Welfare Act, the driver of the pickup, identified by police as Terry Baybay, could also be charged for violating the Meat Inspection Act, and be subject to a fine of between P5,000 to P1 million per animal and possible jail time of one to 12 years.
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