102 native dogs rescued in Quezon City

Some 102 native dogs bound for slaughter houses in Baguio City were rescued by police operatives along Quezon Avenue and EDSA in Quezon City shortly before dawn yesterday.

Superintendent Bernabe Balba, District Intelligence and Investigation Division (DIID) chief, said operatives led by Inspector Angelo Nicolas intercepted the vehicle after members of the Network Animals rights groups, who trailed the hot cargo from Batangas, sought police assistance for the apprehension of the suspected illegal dog traders.

"Transport of dogs for slaughter is punishable under Republic Act 8485, the Animal Welfare Act, which criminalize slaughter of dogs and other animals classified as companion animals," Balba told The STAR.

Balba said two suspects were arrested and are now undergoing investigation.

Reports said the dogs came all the way from Batangas where owners sold the animals to the illegal dog traders.

The rescued animals were turned over to the Manila pound for proper disposition.

Demand for native dogs’ meat is reportedly high in the Cordillera region.

Recently the Philippine Animal Welfare Society , a non-profit organization that seeks to prevent animal cruelty, held a beauty contest in Quezon City to highlight the plight of native dogs, which often suffer neglect and abuse.

Jeffrey Chua, PAWS shelter manager, said part of their advocacy campaign is to correct the prevailing discrimination against native dogs in favor of pure bred dogs. — Perseus Echeminada