PAWS demands nationwide probe into pet crematoriums over fraud and illegal animal remains dumping
Nation
PAWS demands nationwide probe into pet crematoriums over fraud and illegal animal remains dumping
by Mary Antalan02 November 2026
Photo courtesy: Luna and Furry Siblings / FB
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is calling for a comprehensive, nationwide investigation into the operations of pet crematoria following growing outrage over reports that deceased companion animals were dumped in vacant spaces instead of being cremated.
The call to action follows a horrifying discovery in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where seven large sacks containing the remains of 26 dogs and 3 cats were found abandoned in a vacant lot. The remains were traced back to Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, an establishment based in Bacoor, Cavite.
Affected pet owners revealed they had paid the facility substantial fees for individual cremation services, only to discover their deceased pets had been dumped and that they were likely handed fake or unverified ashes.
Local authorities in Bacoor have since shut down the facility after its operators failed to produce CCTV footage or proof of cremation.
In an official statement, PAWS urged key government and law enforcement agencies to intervene immediately and enforce accountability across the industry:
-
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): To direct local government units (LGUs) to inspect pet crematoria within their jurisdictions and verify their business permits and operational clearances.
-
Department of Health (DOH): To investigate potential health and sanitation violations regarding the mishandling and improper disposal of animal remains.
-
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), to assess environmental law violations resulting from the illegal dumping of animal carcasses.
-
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI): To clarify regulatory guidelines governing pet crematories and establish stricter animal-related oversight.
-
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): To assist affected pet owners in seeking legal remedies under the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) against deceptive and unfair business practices.
-
Philippine National Police (PNP) & National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): To help victims document complaints and initiate criminal investigations, particularly for Estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.
PAWS clarified that while the dumping of animal remains that were already deceased does not technically fall under animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act, the act constitutes severe consumer fraud, environmental degradation, and a gross breach of public trust.
"Pet parents deserve the assurance that the cremation services they pay for are actually performed and that their beloved companions are treated with dignity even after death," PAWS stressed.
"The trust of grieving pet parents must never be exploited".
Share
Related Topics
