PAWS urges estafa complaint vs. crematorium over 29 dumped pets

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has urged owners of 29 pets dumped in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, to pursue legal action against the pet crematorium, saying the incident may constitute estafa by means of deceit.

In a statement on Saturday, PAWS said affected pet parents were led to believe that Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, based in Bacoor City, Cavite, had cremated the departed pets entrusted to its care.

However, “this was false and induced pet parents to pay for the service.”

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: All dead pets dumped in Bulacan claimed by owners – rescue group

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

According to PAWS, although the incident did not directly violate the Animal Welfare Act because the animals were already deceased when turned over to the crematorium, Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium could still be held liable under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.

“Pet parents paid for a service that was supposed to provide their beloved companions with a dignified farewell. Instead, their remains were reportedly dumped like garbage in a vacant lot,” the animal welfare group said.

“This is not merely a failure to deliver a service but constitutes Estafa by means of deceit,” it added.

PAWS urged affected pet parents to preserve evidence, such as receipts, cremation certificates, communications, and photos, which are necessary for filing the appropriate complaint.

Article continues after this advertisement

It also stressed the importance of pet parents uniting to seek accountability for the incident.

“Each complaint, supported by evidence, can help establish the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and prevent other grieving families from experiencing the same,” the group said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Animal protection, care bill pushed after dead pets dumped in Bulacan

Aside from this, PAWS called on the local government of Bacoor City to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the crematorium was operating with the required permits and whether the disposal of the remains violated applicable sanitation, environmental, and local government regulations.

“The emotional harm suffered by these pet parents must not be dismissed. They entrusted the remains of beloved family members for a dignified farewell, only to be deprived of that farewell at a particularly vulnerable moment of grief,” PAWS said.

“The trust of a grieving family is not something to be exploited,” it added.

The Inquirer reached out to the pet crematorium but had yet to receive a response as of this writing.

Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla earlier ordered the closure of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium amid complaints from pet owners following the incident.

According to the San Jose del Monte City Police Station, several residents saw a white van carrying unidentified individuals allegedly unloading seven large sacks containing deceased dogs and cats at a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper early Thursday morning, Oct. 29.