Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga has spoken out against the brutal killing of a stray dog in Subic, Zambales, calling it a tragic reflection of the nation’s lack of compassion toward animals.
“Sorry, Tiger, we all failed you,” Zaldarriaga said in a heartfelt statement. “This is on all of us Filipinos who still fail to understand the true meaning of animal compassion and welfare. But we will keep fighting until we achieve a society that is just, kind, and tolerant of stray animals.”
Zaldarriaga’s statement comes in response to a disturbing incident involving a local meat vendor who stabbed a stray dog named “Tiger” after the dog reportedly stole meat from her stall. A witness captured a harrowing video of Tiger, bloodied and gravely wounded, still managing to walk even as its internal organs were exposed.
The suspect has since been arrested, according to a report aired on “State of the Nation.”
Animal rights advocates, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), have also denounced the killing. In a statement, PAWS emphasized the broader implications of such violence: “Those who commit such violent acts against animals pose a danger to society as a whole. Abusers of animals are often capable of inflicting harm on humans as well.”
“Standing up against animal abuse is not just a moral obligation — it is a necessary step in creating a safer, more just society,” PAWS added.
Zaldarriaga’s powerful words underscore the urgent need for stronger animal welfare education and legislation in the Philippines. As calls for justice grow louder, both advocates and ordinary citizens continue to mourn the loss of Tiger — a symbol of the voiceless animals who suffer in silence.
This also goes for dogs being killed for meat. The fear they might felt witnesing the brutal way of other dogs being killed and they knowing that they will be next. We have 2 aspins. We treat them as our kids. My heart goes for every hungry, homeless dogs and cats whos only fault is to born as aspins and puspins.