Dead pets dumped in Bulacan: Crematorium employee, possible accomplice under probe — mayor

MANILA – The local government of San Jose del Monte on Wednesday said it was investigating a possible accomplice in the city behind the dumping of 29 dead pets, after receiving a new lead involving an employee of a pet crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite. 

San Jose del Monte Mayor Florida Robes said the city government was set to file a case over the incident but received additional information and a new witness that prompted authorities to pursue further investigation.

“Kahapon may lead kaming nakuha, na may tao talaga, empleyado ng crematorium sa Bacoor. ‘Yon ang inaantay namin ngayon,” Robes said in a DZMM interview. 

She said authorities were also looking into whether someone from San Jose del Monte had helped the crematorium employee dispose of the animal remains.

Robes said the investigation was expected to be completed within the day.

“Supposed to be magpapa-file na kami ng case yesterday but meron na namang lumutang na bagong witness. Today matatapos ang lahat ng lahat ng ‘yan,” she said.

The mayor did not identify the individuals being investigated.

The city government has been coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for the probe. 

Robes cited an existing city ordinance prohibiting animal maltreatment, as well as the dumping and killing of dogs within San Jose del Monte.

“May ordinansa ang lungsod na bawal ang mga ganitong maltreatment, pagtapon, pagpatay sa mga aso dito sa aming lungsod,” she said.

She acknowledged the anger of residents over the discovery but said the city wanted to ensure that the incident would lead to concrete action.

“Galit ang mga taga-SJDM pero hindi dapat matapos sa galit, dapat solusyunan,” Robes said.

The controversy erupted after the remains of 26 dogs and three cats were discovered inside plastic bags in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte on October 29.

The discovery raised suspicions that the remains belong to pets entrusted to Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, for cremation.

The incident prompted complaints from pet owners who questioned whether their animals had actually been cremated after they entrusted their remains to the establishment.

The Bacoor local government subsequently ordered the crematorium closed, while authorities began investigating the complaints and the circumstances surrounding the disposal of the animal remains.

Robes described the improper disposal of animal remains as a possible violation of sanitation regulations and a public health concern.

“For me, sa akin at sa aming senyo, talagang sila lumabag sa code of sanitation. It means health hazard na pinag-uusapan natin,” she said in an earlier interview.

Asked why the city could have been chosen as the dumping site, Robes pointed to its large land area and the presence of vacant properties.

“Malaki talagang sa San Jose Del Monte considering the fact na international community kami. So maraming talagang, hindi lang lehitimong taga Bulacan na yung mga nandito,” she said. 

She said the city would not allow its response to stop at condemning the incident.

“Hindi namin tinatapos sa pagkainis at pagkagalit because inaction na namin ito agad. At pag-investigate pa talaga na mas malalim. Matatapos na po lahat ang lahat-lahat ng ‘yan,” she said.

The mayor said the city would proceed with filing a case once its legal office had reviewed the affidavits and supporting documents.