MANDAUE City Veterinarian Daisy Penetrante urged the owner of the dog allegedly raped last Sunday in Barangay Cubacub to press charges against the suspect.
“That was animal cruelty,” Penetrante said in an interview yesterday.
Salvador Zapanta, 53, owner of the female dog, decided not to file a complaint for violation of the Animal Welfare Act against Harold (real name withheld) and even paid for the suspect’s fine for violating the City’s anti-drunkenness ordinance.
Harold, 36, a native of Ubay, Bohol, was arrested by police at dawn last Sunday after he was caught by Zapanta having sex with his dog, reportedly a poodle.
He was later released by the Police Station 6 in Barangay Canduman after Zapanta, out of pity, gave him P500 to pay for the fine. Harold doesn’t have a regular job.
Penetrante said Harold ran the risk of getting infected with rabies.
The dog reportedly suffered from bleeding after the intercourse and was being treated by the owner with Betadine.
Penetrante said the dog, if infected with rabies, may die within two months after the incident.
She urged the dog owner to have his pet examined, saying dogs can also get sexually transmitted diseases from humans.
According to police, Harold had sex with the dog after a drinking session with motorcycle-for-hire drivers.
Around 4 a.m., he was seen having sex with the dog, which was tied outside Zapanta’s house.
Police said the drivers, who saw the incident, did not stop Harold, who tested positive for alcohol.
Penetrante said it wasn’t the first time she heard of bestiality. She said she had heard reports of drunk men having sex with cows in the mountains.