The slaughtered golden retriever Killua tested positive for rabies, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said Monday.
PAWS Director Anna Cabrera said the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) conducted tests to determine Killua’s status over the weekend.
Anthony Solares, a neighbor of the dog’s owner and a village watchman, allegedly killed Killua on March 17 in Camarines Sur because the dog supposedly chased his child.
But surveillance footage shared by Killua’s owner, Vina Rachelle Arazas, showed Solares striking Killua as the dog attempted to flee.
The cruelty has sparked public outrage under the hashtag #JusticeForKillua.
Despite testing positive for rabies, PAWS said it would still push through with its legal action.
PAWS said it aims to file criminal charges against Solares for animal cruelty, citing his alleged brutal treatment of Killua.
The group also plans to hold Solares accountable for violating the Anti-Rabies Act by allegedly engaging in the dog meat trade.
After fatally injuring Killua, Solares allegedly delivered the dog to a known slaughterhouse, which raised alarm about public health risks associated with consuming dog meat.
Cabrera urged those who might have been bitten by Killua to seek rabies care immediately.
PAWS also advised anyone who might have consumed meat from the area where Killua was found to get post-exposure shots.
“Dog meat traders are not only cruel people but pose a serious threat to public health,” Cabrera said.