MANILA – As of December 13, 2025, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has confirmed that no criminal case has been filed against the perpetrator who brutally beat an American Bully dog named Axle to death in Sadanga, Mountain Province, on December 4. Despite viral CCTV footage showing the horrific act and widespread public outrage, PAWS emphasized that a case cannot proceed without witnesses coming forward to testify.
In a statement, PAWS condemned the killing and clarified key misconceptions:
- A rumored settlement between the dog’s owner and the suspect does not prevent justice – animal cruelty remains a public crime under the Animal Welfare Act (RA 8485, as amended by RA 10631).
- Witnesses do not need to be the owner; anyone with personal knowledge (including bystanders seen in the video) can file or support a complaint.
- The group urged the public: “The criminal case can only proceed with the help of witnesses or those with personal knowledge of the crime.”
The Sadanga local government has identified the suspect as a municipal driver (not a councilor, as initially rumored) and stated that charges are being prepared, but progress hinges on formal testimonies.
The incident—captured on CCTV showing the man chasing and repeatedly striking Axle with a wooden plank while bystanders watched—has sparked national fury, with #JusticeForAxle trending and animal groups like the Animal Kingdom Foundation demanding full enforcement of the law.
PAWS reiterated: “Dogs like Axle are sentient beings capable of suffering. Justice is still possible—step forward.”
For those with information, contact PAWS or local authorities. This case highlights ongoing challenges in prosecuting animal cruelty, where fear or apathy often silences potential witnesses.
Incident Recap:
- Date: December 4, 2025
- Location: Barangay Saclit, Sadanga, Mountain Province
- Victim: Axle, an American Bully (non-aggressive in footage)
- Suspect: LGU driver
- Status: No case filed yet; witnesses needed