LGU driver fined ₱100,000 for beating dog to death in Mt. Province

Mt. Province, Philippines – The local government unit (LGU) driver who brutally beat a dog to death in Sadanga, Mountain Province, last year has been found guilty of animal cruelty and ordered to pay a ₱100,000 fine.

The case stemmed from a December 4, 2025 incident in Barangay Saclit, Sadanga, where an American Bully named Axle was beaten to death.

In a video that later went viral on social media, the man was seen repeatedly striking the dog with a wooden stick in the presence of several individuals.

Axle attempted to run away, but the suspect chased him and continued beating him until the dog eventually died.

Prior to the incident, the dog had allegedly urinated on the attacker, an act that some community members reportedly associate with misfortune or death.

Following the incident, a complaint for violation of the Animal Welfare Act was filed by local police in partnership with Furvent Animal Rescue and Advocacy against the suspect, who was identified as an LGU driver.

Last week, the animal welfare organization announced the conviction.

“Is this enough? No. No amount of money can ever make up for the fear, pain, and suffering that Axle experienced. No amount can bring him back. No amount can undo what happened that day. But despite that, we are grateful that there was accountability,” the group wrote.

The organization said it hopes the conviction will encourage more people to report incidents of animal abuse and strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare laws.

“This outcome is especially significant because it sends a message that animal cruelty is not something that should be ignored or dismissed... We hope that penalties for animal cruelty will become heavier and that those who harm animals will be held fully accountable for their actions,” it added.

Other Animal Cruelty Convictions

Aside from Axle's killer, four other individuals from Camp 7, Baguio City were also found guilty of violating animal welfare laws after slaughtering a dog, according to animal welfare advocate Atty. Amadeo B. Degay.

The four initially claimed the dog was killed for a ritual, but an investigation later found that they intended to consume the animal as pulutan.

Each of the four individuals was likewise fined ₱100,000.