Man who brutally beat dog ‘Axle’ to death identified as Sadanga LGU driver; the dog killer now faces charges for violating RA 8485

Sadanga, Mt. Province – The call for justice for the brutal killing of Axle, an American Bully dog, is moving forward after the Sadanga police successfully filed a case against the man caught beating the canine to death.

Earlier this month, a video showing a man in Sadanga, Mountain Province, mercilessly beating a dog with what appeared to be a wooden stick sparked widespread outrage. The footage also captured Axle whimpering and trying to escape his attacker, who chased him around with the stick. The dog ultimately died from the beating.

The suspect behind the attack, which happened on December 4, was identified by the Sadanga local government as an LGU driver, refuting earlier allegations that he is a municipal councilor.

The case drew widespread attention online, with animal lovers and netizens calling for justice for the dog. Animal welfare and protection advocates, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, whose lawyers prepared the complaint, and Furvent Animal Rescue and Advocacy, whose legal counsel traveled to Sadanga and met with local authorities to ensure the filing of charges, were also involved.

In an official statement on December 16, Mt. Province Police Director PCol. Marcelo Polig announced that the Sadanga Municipal Police Station officially charged the suspect with violating Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631. The case was formally referred to and accepted by the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Bontoc on December 15.

Polig explained that the local police had filed the animal abuse case three times, as the first two attempts were not accepted due to insufficient evidence.

“The case was filed twice but was not accepted due to insufficient evidence. Rather than giving up, the Sadanga MPS continued its investigation, strengthened the evidence, and remained committed to seeking justice. On the third filing, their perseverance paid off, and the case was finally accepted,” he wrote.

The police provincial director, who expressed appreciation for volunteers, animal welfare advocates, and organizations for their efforts in seeking justice for Axle, emphasized that charging the suspect is not just about solving a crime. It is also about protecting innocent lives and sending a strong message that cruelty to animals will not be ignored.