THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed multiple criminal cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the operators of a pet crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite, over alleged improper and mass disposal of deceased animals.
The NBI’s Environmental Crime Division filed criminal complaints against Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium following the discovery of dozens of decomposing dog and cat remains stuffed inside sacks and plastic bags in vacant lots and a septic tank in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan.
The charges include estafa (fraud), violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Citing its investigation prior to the filing of the cases, the NBI said the establishment did not have the required equipment to perform cremations.
A contracted third-party couple confessed to the agency that due to the overwhelming volume of deceased pets transferred to them through delivery apps, they dumped and buried the bodies instead of cremating them.
The complaints also alleged that fake ashes were distributed to grieving pet owners.
Meanwhile, more than 250 affected pet owners have come forward to file their own complaints with the police, while animal advocacy groups such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and the Animal Kingdom Foundation have partnered with victims to push for full legal accountability.
To prevent the suspects from fleeing the country, the NBI has requested the DOJ to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against the three primary individuals involved in the case.
