The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has reported that Killua, the dog killed by a man in Camarines Sur, has tested positive for rabies.
PAWS Director Anna Cabrera told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview on Monday that this was based on the test conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) over the weekend.
“This includes pet owner Vina Arazas, who hugged the bloodied body of her beloved dog when she found him at a known dog slaughter area in Sta Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur,” Cabrera said.
“While the result of the testing may not be accurate because the body had already been buried for five days before testing and may have been contaminated from being in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered, PAWS is making this announcement to ensure that any bites or scratches will be reported promptly in the interest of public health and safety,” Cabrera explained in a statement.
PAWS is making this announcement to ensure that any bites or scratches will be reported promptly in the interest of public health and safety
Meanwhile, PAWS said it would continue to pursue filing criminal charges against the man suspected of killing Killua for violating Republic Act (RA) 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, and RA 982, or the Anti-Rabies Act, for allegedly engaging in the Dog meat trade.
Based on CCTV footage, Killua was seen jumping from their house’s roof after scaling it past 5 am on Sunday.
The dog then allegedly attacked a resident, prompting the man to chase the dog and beat it to death. The man also claimed Killua bit his leg.
The suspect, who owns a carinderia business, allegedly brought the dog to a slaughterhouse and dog meat cooking trade.
PAWS urged those who may have consumed dog meat near the area where Killua’s body was found to get post-exposure shots.
“They are at great risk. Dog meat traders are not only cruel people but pose a serious threat to public health,” Cabrera emphasized.
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