The Valenzuela City government has clarified that the injury sustained by a dog named Kobe in Barangay Balangkas was the result of a dog fight and does not constitute animal cruelty, following a thorough investigation by a joint task force.
Kobe had its tongue completely cut off on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian said the dog fight lasted for 19 seconds. “Five to six po na aso ang nag go-group. Nakita natin na mayroon talagang altercation, may isang aso na kumagat ho sa isang aso. Ang kagat po ay diretso po sa tongue mismo,” he explained in a press conference on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Reports of an alleged animal cruelty case circulated online, causing fear in the community and drawing strong reactions from various animal welfare advocates.
In response, the city government immediately formed a joint task force, dubbed “Task Force Kobe,” to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident.
Based on the review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and statements from eyewitnesses, authorities determined that the incident was the result of a dog-to-dog fight and was not caused by human intervention.
To support Kobe and the dog’s owner, the city government committed to providing medical assistance to the injured dog until his full recovery.
“Mula sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Valenzuela, nagpapasalamat kami sa kooperasyon ng dog owner, witness, animal welfare advocates, at concerned citizens upang mapabilis ang pagkalutas sa kaso ni Kobe,” the city government said.
The local government also reminded the public to remain vigilant and discerning when consuming and sharing information online, and urged pet owners to continue complying with the Responsible Pet Ownership Ordinance No. 131, Series of 2014, to help ensure the safety and welfare of animals and the community. (Allysa Nievera)
