PAWS finds Killua killer not acting on self defense

Beloved Golden Retriever Killua who was brutally murdered and found by his keepers in a sack. File photo courtesy of Vina Rachelle / Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The killing of a Golden Retriever named Killua is not an act of self-defense, as claimed by the man who admittedly mauled the dog, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) asserted on Wednesday.

The animal offender, named Anthony Solares, claimed that his child was chased by Killua that is why he took action to slay the dog.

READ: ‘Heartbroken and enraged’: Grace Poe on brutal killing of dog Killua

However, CCTV footage posted by Vina Rachelle Arazas, Killua’s keeper, on Facebook, showed that Solares was the one chasing after the dog and when he cornered the dog he hit it several times. The dog in the video appeared to be just trying to escape its attacker.

“The animal offender claims that this was an act of self-defense but video evidence shows that Killua, the dog, was being chased by him and none of the elements of self-defense were present,” PAWS said.

“Further, there are humane ways of animal control. The City Veterinarian’s Office can be called in for this task. Clearly, there was no reason for Killua to be killed in this manner as she was not harming anyone,” it added.

READ: Lawmakers hit slay of dog Killua that was running away, trying to escape

The group further stressed that it is “extremely upset and dismayed” over the incident, highlighting the importance of filing criminal cases.

PAWS noted that it will file charges of violation of the Animal Welfare Act against Solares, as the pet owner and witnesses have submitted their affidavits.

They will also make sure that the person involved will be held accountable for his actions, the group added.

“We call on witnesses of other crimes against animals that have been posted on social media to step forward and cooperate with law enforcement agents and seek help, if needed, for the filing of the cases,” PAWS said.

“Tagging on social media will not result in punishment unless a criminal complaint is filed in Court,” it added.

Senator Grace Poe earlier decried the death of Killua, saying that she was “heart-broken and enraged” by it.

“It is, of course, up to our courts to decide on the matter. However, the public should be aware that there are laws [that] prohibit and punish the cruel treatment of animals,” Poe said in a statement.

“If we are to create a kinder society where animals and humans can co-exist in harmony, we must raise awareness on the proper, responsible, and humane manner of treating animals,” she added.

Lawmakers also condemned the incident and emphasized the need to revisit the country’s animal welfare laws.