PAWS Issues Statement on Dog Killua’s Death: “None of the elements of self-defense were present”

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) condemned the killing of golden retriever Killua, emphasizing that the animal offender, Anthony Solares, had not acted in self-defense.

“The animal offender claims that this was an act of self-defense but video evidence shows that Killua, the dog, was being chased by him and none of the elements of self-defense were present,” its statement read.

On March 17, Killua was found lifeless in a sack after it was mauled to death by Solares in Camarines Sur. The dog’s owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, shared the heartbreaking story on her Facebook account, where she posted videos confronting Solares and finding her dog bloodied in a sack. She captioned her post, “Mahal na mahal ko yan. We found his lifeless body inside a sack.”

According to Solares, Killua bit him and chased his child. He also claimed it was self-defense, stating the dog was being aggressive. However, the CCTV footage posted by Arazas shows the three-year-old dog escaping through their house’s roof past 5 a.m. Killua is then seen being chased and hit by Solares on the road.

PAWS also reiterated that there are humane ways of animal control, noting that the city’s veterinarian office can be contacted for assistance.

“Clearly, there was no reason for Killua to be killed in this manner as he was not harming any one,” the organization added.

PAWS stressed the importance of taking legal actions against animal offenders and said it will be filing a case against Solares, “Because the pet owner and witnesses have submitted affidavits, PAWS will be able to file charges of violation of the Animal Welfare Act and ensure that the person responsible for this crime will be held accountable.”

The organization urged witnesses of animal cruelty to take action and cooperate instead of posting or tagging people on social media to hold animal offenders accountable.

“We call on witnesses of other crimes against animals that have been posted on social media to step forward and cooperate with law enforcement agents and seek help, if needed, for the filing of the cases. Tagging on social media will not result in punishment unless a criminal complaint is filed in Court.”

Killua’s death sparked outrage among netizens and animal welfare organizations. Even celebrities Sarah Geronimo, Carla Abellana, Kim Atienza, and Janella Salvador demanded justice for Killua. The hashtag #JusticeForKillua trended on social media as pet owners and netizens expressed their dismay at the dog’s brutal killing. As of writing, Arazas’ post has garnered over 500,000 reactions.

Golden retrievers are the most gentle of dog breeds. The perpetrator’s claim that Killua was attacking his family is highly unlikely.

Dog cruelty happens more often than we think, lalo na sa Aspin. Rest well Killua.#justiceforkilluahttps://t.co/r9mR3M7gth

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) March 20, 2024

People don’t deserve animals.
Ang sakit sakit sa puso. These psychos better end up in jail. #JusticeForKillua #JusticeForErika

— Janella Salvador (@superjanella) March 19, 2024

Senators Grace Poe and JV Ejercito also condemned the killing of Killua, with Poe calling for strengthening the Animal Welfare Act in the Philippines. She underscored a Senate Bill entitled “Revised Animal Welfare Act” is currently pending in the Committee.

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In a report by ABS-CBN, the authorities of Camarines Sur have already launched an investigation into Killua’s death. Arazas also emphasized in her post that they will seek justice for Killua, ” We are fighting for this. #JusticeForKillua.”

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