A RESIDENT of Barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City will face charges for animal cruelty after he allegedly beat an “Aspin” or Asong Pinoy owned by his neighbors last Saturday, November 23, 2019.

The dog, named KJ, sustained a big cut on the left side of his head and had to be brought to the Mandaue City Veterinary Office for immediate treatment.

Laziel Perez, who owns KJ, said the incident started Saturday night, November 23, when her nephew told her that her neighbor, Jessie Tan, allegedly struck her dog several times using an undetermined tool.

Tan was allegedly drunk at the time of the incident.

During that night, Perez saw KJ crying and the blood was dripping from the cut it sustained.

Perez said she attempted to confront Tan the next day, but he was not at his house at that time.

Upon checking on the dog's condition, city veterinarians said they plan to treat KJ's condition carefully.

But a pro-animal rights group in Cebu will not let the incident pass.

Annalyn Aizpuru, president of Island Rescue Organization, said they plan to file a case against Tan.

Aizpuru said Tan could face charges for violating Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Law, which carries a penalty of P30,000 to P250,000 and imprisonment of one year to six years.

Due to the incident, Aizpuru encouraged the public to report immediately to the barangay or police station when they witness animal cruelty, because, according to her, animals also have rights. (SunStar Cebu)