Bacoor mayor orders probe into pet crematorium over dumped remains

LUCENA CITY — Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla has ordered a probe into the operations of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, following the discovery of 29 dead pets allegedly dumped in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, on Oct. 30.

“We will not stop until the full truth is established and anyone found responsible is held accountable,” Revilla wrote in a Facebook post in Filipino on Saturday night.

The mayor directed the City Legal Office, Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD), City Environment Service Department, and City Veterinary Office to investigate the establishment.

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On Saturday, city government representatives met with Jonathan Legaspi, owner of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, and more than 30 pet owners seeking answers and justice for their deceased pets.

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

Revilla said the establishment reportedly operates two cremation machines, one in Bacoor City and another allegedly located in Caloocan City.

“The owner acknowledged that some pets were transported to Caloocan for cremation, but sufficient documents or evidence have yet to be presented to establish that the cremations were actually performed,” the mayor said.

Police reported that the remains of 27 dogs and two cats were found inside sacks and plastic bags in a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte City, on Friday morning. The site is about 35 kilometers from Caloocan City.

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According to police, the remains still bore animal identification tags, while the packaging indicated the animals’ recorded weights.

Authorities said they had identified a possible establishment linked to the disposal but initially withheld its name pending further developments.

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The discovery drew widespread attention on social media, prompting concerns among pet owners who had entrusted their animals’ remains to cremation services.

Revilla said Legaspi could not confirm whether the animals shown in the viral social media posts were among those entrusted to the establishment.

“No CCTV footage or sufficient documentation was presented to prove that the cremations had taken place. The owner could not guarantee that the ashes returned to pet owners actually came from their respective pets,” the mayor said.

The investigation remains ongoing, Revilla said, adding that the city government would pursue accountability for anyone found responsible.

“We understand the pain and anger felt by the affected pet owners. Our pets are not merely animals; they are members of our families. Every pet owner has the right to know the truth and seek justice,” he stressed.

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“In Bacoor, we will not allow the trust and love our residents have for their beloved pets to be disregarded,” he added. /mcm