Animal welfare group seeks nationwide probe into pet crematorium services

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Animal welfare advocates have urged government agencies and organizations to investigate the operations of pet cremation services across the country.

"The reported discovery of the remains of deceased companion animals allegedly dumped instead of being cremated has raised serious concerns about the integrity of pet cremation services in the country," said the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in a statement.

PAWS is calling on the appropriate agencies to investigate the establishment involved in the incident and other pet crematoria operating in other parts of the country.

It was reported on Saturday that the decomposing remains of more than 20 dogs and cats were found sealed in plastic bags and dumped along New Town Street in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.

The next day, authorities have retrieved and identified the remains of 22 dogs and three cats that were dumped.

According to the report of GMA News' Gabriel Gonzales, the remains were immediately placed inside body bags. Their names and weight were also indicated.

There were some fur parents who personally claimed the remains of their late fur babies.

"Following reports of deceased companion animals allegedly dumped instead of being cremated, PAWS is calling for a nationwide investigation of pet crematoria to ensure that these establishments operate lawfully, transparently, and with accountability," the group said.

The group called on various government agencies including the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) "to investigate possible violations involving business permits, sanitation, environmental regulations, consumer protection, criminal laws, and ensure that affected pet parents have access to appropriate legal remedies."

"Pet parents deserve the assurance that the cremation services they pay for are actually performed and that their beloved companions are treated with dignity even after death. The trust of grieving pet parents must never be exploited," PAWS also said. — BAP, GMA News