A man in Vista Verde Subdivision in Caloocan City is facing a charge of violating the Animal Welfare Act for allegedly shooting a neighbor’s pet dog with an Airsoft gun.
According to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which has been helping with the case, Eduardo Icban has been charged for shooting complainant Socorro Aquino’s dog “Whitey” on March 24.
After being shot, “Whitey lay on her side and yelped in pain for hours” and now walks with a limp, PAWS said.
“It is frightening that there are people who shoot off guns in a public area where there are many people and many children. I fear not only for the animals in our area but for humans who may end up as gun-shot victims,” Aquino said in her affidavit.
The Animal Welfare Act penalizes the neglect, abuse, and maltreatment of animals. If found guilty, Icban faces from six months to two years in prison or a fine of P1,000. The Court could also sentence him to do time and pay the fine.
