Dog meat controversy sparks surprise raids; Baguio eatery freezers come up clean

Baguio City – Authorities in Baguio City conducted surprise inspections of eateries in areas previously associated with the illegal dog meat trade and found no prohibited meat products inside their freezers.

The Baguio City Meat and Fish Task Force carried out the operation on June 25 as part of its continuing enforcement of food safety and animal welfare laws.

According to the city's Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), the surprise inspection covered food establishments in Dagohoy, Kagitingan, and Lakandula. Three inspection teams simultaneously checked eateries beginning at around 8:30 a.m.

Inspectors examined freezers, storage areas, and food preparation spaces for possible dog meat products but reported finding none during the operation.

Aside from checking for prohibited meat, the teams also assessed the establishments' compliance with health and sanitation standards.

Inspectors examined food handlers' health certificates, sanitation practices, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

One establishment was issued a Notice of Violation after inspectors found inadequate trash bins and an improper waste disposal container.

“The task force, composed of the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Market Traffic and Order Division (MTO), Permits and Licensing Division (PLD), and Health Services Office (HSO), divided into three teams to simultaneously inspect eateries and food establishments at 8:30 AM. No dog meat was found in any of the freezers during the inspection,” POSD-Baguio reported.

The surprise inspections were conducted days after a popular restaurant in La Trinidad, Benguet, was accused of allegedly serving dog meat to customers. Authorities have withheld the name of the establishment as the investigation remains ongoing.

The complaint was filed by Atty. Amadeo B. Degay, a lawyer and animal welfare advocate, who personally inspected the restaurant after receiving information about the alleged illegal sale of dog meat.

In a video reportedly taken by Degay during his visit to the establishment, one of the restaurant's employees allegedly identified a menu item as dog meat.

To verify his findings, Degay obtained a meat sample and submitted it to the National Meat Inspection Service–Cordillera for laboratory examination, which later confirmed the presence of dog DNA in the submitted sample.

Armed with the laboratory results and supporting documents, Degay filed a sworn complaint-affidavit before the Benguet Provincial Prosecutor's Office on June 3, 2026.

The complaint includes alleged violations of Section 56 of Republic Act No. 9296, as amended by Republic Act No. 10536, or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines; Section 11(7) of Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007; Article 40(a) of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and Section 37(b) of Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013.

If found guilty, those charged could face imprisonment, substantial fines, and the closure of their business establishments under the applicable laws.