Puppy cruelty case Cops: It didn’t happen in Carmen

CEBU, Philippines — Based on their investigation, the Carmen Police Station revealed yesterday that that the uploader of a video showing puppies being fed to snakes in a cage is not a resident of Carmen Town.

Carmen police chief Police Major Charlie Santiago said they investigated claims of animal cruelty by a certain Emma Pepito, based on a social media post that mentioned the incident taking place in Carmen.

They also checked the alleged place of incident in coordination with barangay captains and local residents, and concluded that no such incident transpired in Carmen.

The social media post will be subjected to cyber investigation to trace its digital footprints.

“Rest assured that PNP Carmen will not stop until we find the truth and put the perpetrators in jail,” the Carmen police said.

Last July 27, a Facebook post by a certain Beth Lapa claimed that Pepito posted a video where puppies are being fed to snakes. Lapa also added in the same post that the person who adopted the puppies is from Carmen.

“The adopter of the puppies is from Carmen,Cebu!!!” wrote Lapa.

She even asked the public to find Pepito who resides either in Lapu-Lapu City or Carmen Town.

“Please who knows Emma Pepito from Lapu-Lapu or Carmen Cebu... She posted in her story where puppies are fed to snakes. Let's save the puppies asap,” Lapa added.

Meanwhile, Carmen Municipal Tourism officer Tobias Villamor said that they are still looking for the person who posted the video as she has several social media accounts.

“Still looking for the uploader. Daghan siya’g accounts, lain-lain names same faces,” said Villamor.

The Carmen local government unit is also investigating the viral video.

Meanwhile, Island Rescue Organization (IRO) President Annalyn Aizpuru said they are working with the town government to address this issue.

“We are working closely on addressing the concerning reports regarding the alleged feeding of adopted puppies to a snake in Carmen,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of caution when putting up cats and dogs for adoption.

“A thorough adoption process must be imposed to ensure the welfare of these animals. This is one act of animal cruelty, feeding live animals,” she said.

Aizpuru said their group is willing to file a case once they get enough information and details regarding the incident.

“Any information sa whereabouts of perpetrators our group is willing to file a case pero waiting pa kami details. As of now, wala pa kami nakuha na information but for awareness lang dapat mag-careful tayo pagdating sa adoption,” she said. — (FREEMAN)