Cop who allegedly killed dog may face admin raps

DAVAO CITY--A policeman who reportedly stabbed a dog to death may face administrative charges, the city's top cop said.

During an interview on the sidelines of the 118th Police Service Anniversary here Thursday, Police Col. Alexander Tagum, director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), urged the dog owner and witnesses to come out and file a case against the suspect.

According to a police blotter, Noel Abanales, the dog owner, identified the suspect as Master Sgt. Julius Garcia who is assigned at the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG).

Abanales told the police that on August 13, Garcia was playing mahjong at a neighbor's wake along A. Pichon Street here but got irritated after losing.

He allegedly took it out on the dog named Gabriela by stabbing it to death with an "undetermined bladed object," Abanales said.

Tagum said he will look into the possibility of bringing administrative charges against Garcia, as he called on the dog owner to file charges against the police officer.

"We cannot act on it if there is no affidavit of complaint against the suspect," the police official said, describing the killing of the dog as "inhumane."

"Such an act will not be tolerated. We will stand with the owner of the dog. We will be with you in this case and you will have our support. We won't stop until this is over," Tagum assured.

Meanwhile, Animal Rescue Rehabilitation and Fostering (ARRF) condemned the killing of the dog, noting that Garcia's alleged act did not measure up to his supposed duty as  a "protector of rights."

ARFF’s Marites Batacan said Thursday the police officer "did not only disrespect the right of the dog owner but wasted as well the life of a poor and hapless animal whose only sin perhaps was being inferior to him."

"To inflict so much pain on the dog is totally unacceptable. I implore the people of Davao who stand for animal rights to condemn this dastardly, cowardly and despicable animal abuser and demand that he be brought to justice," Batacan said.

In July last year, the Department of Agriculture 11 (Davao region), the City Veterinary Office, and ARRF signed a memorandum of cooperation for the establishment of animal welfare desks in this city.

The first in the Philippines, the animal welfare desks seek to address issues of animal violence in the city and eliminate the trade of dog meat. (PNA)