Target: Ma. Elena M. Hofileña-Gerochi, Provincial Prosecutor, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Goal: Identify and prosecute those responsible for shooting a dog five times with improvised arrows in barbaric act of animal cruelty.
A dog in Negros Occidental was shot five times with improvised arrows by individuals who have yet to be identified or arrested. The incident drew national attention and was publicly condemned by Senator Grace Poe, who described it as a barbaric act. A cash reward was offered for information leading to the identification of those responsible, and an animal welfare investigation was launched, but no arrests have been made.
The facts of this case are among the most disturbing in recent Philippine animal cruelty reporting: a dog subjected to repeated, deliberate acts of penetrating violence — not once, but five separate times — for no apparent purpose other than cruelty. The improvised nature of the weapons used suggests premeditation, and the multiple wounds inflicted suggest sustained abuse rather than a single impulsive act.
The Philippines’ Animal Welfare Act of 1998 criminalises the maltreatment and torture of animals, and incidents of this severity demand a vigorous prosecutorial response. The Provincial Prosecutor of Negros Occidental must work closely with law enforcement to ensure that the reward offer and public outrage translate into concrete investigative action, and that those identified are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Provincial Prosecutor Hofileña-Gerochi,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue the strongest possible charges against those responsible for shooting a dog five times with improvised arrows in Negros Occidental — an incident that was publicly condemned as barbaric by Senator Grace Poe and that prompted a cash reward for information leading to arrests. As of the time of this petition, no suspects have reportedly been identified or apprehended.
The facts of this case are deeply troubling. A dog was subjected to five separate acts of deliberate, penetrating violence — wounds that suggest not a moment of recklessness but a sustained and premeditated act of cruelty. The improvised nature of the weapons used further indicates planning and intent. This is precisely the kind of case the Philippines’ Animal Welfare Act of 1998 was designed to address.
We urge your office to work closely with law enforcement to translate the public outrage and reward offer into concrete investigative leads, and to ensure that once suspects are identified, the strongest available charges are filed and vigorously pursued. This dog endured repeated acts of deliberate cruelty. Justice demands a swift and decisive response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Belen Mangao
