Senator Raffy Tulfo raised serious concern over the reported fraudulent and large-scale improper disposal of deceased companion animals by some pet aftercare service providers.
In filing Senate Resolution (SR) No. 771, Tulfo cited the episode aired on Raffy Tulfo Action (RTIA) on November 2 wherein pet owners complained that the remains of 29 pets, including 26 dogs and three cats, were abandoned and discovered to be dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
The owners of the discovered deceased pets had availed the pet cremation service of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite, only to find out that they were defrauded and was led to believe that what they have received were the ashes of their departed pets.
The legislator likewise cited the information revealed by an animal welfare group stating that as many as 120 dogs and cats may have been found dumped at a site in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
“This fraudulent practice should be investigated and stopped.”
The lawmaker stressed how “pet owners availed of pet aftercare services for professional handling, respectful management, and memorialization of a pet’s remains after they pass away” that’s why this fraudulent practice should be investigated and stopped.
“Animal welfare and protection shall extend beyond the treatment and care of living animals to include the dignified, humane, and respectful handling of their remains upon death.”
“Animal welfare and protection shall extend beyond the treatment and care of living animals to include the dignified, humane, and respectful handling of their remains upon death, recognizing that pet owners place their trust in, and entrust their beloved companions to, service providers whom they compensate with the expectation of professional, ethical, and respectful disposition of their pets’ remains,” the senator added.
In establishing who was responsible for the alleged dumping of pet remains and determining whether lapses in permitting, inspection, or enforcement were to be blamed on this, he called on the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Animal Industry (DA–BAI), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Health (DOH) to review existing safeguards, investigate possible violations within their respective mandates, and strengthen oversight of pet crematoriums and other pet aftercare establishments.
Ultimately, Tulfo stressed the need to enhance existing laws, policies, and regulatory mechanisms covering pet crematoriums and other pet aftercare establishments, and establishing appropriate legislative measures to ensure humane, dignified, and proper handling and disposition of deceased animals.
