Owner of dog hit by man decides not to file case

CEBU, Philippines- The man who was detained after allegedly hitting a dog in the head and eating its food has been released from jail after the owner of the dog chose not to file a complaint against him.

 Argie Navida, 25, was released from detention after Michael Ian Cañete, who owns the Siberian Husky, decided not to pursue charges against him for humanitarian reasons.

 Navida reportedly slammed the head of the dog with a dumbbell in Barangay Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City before eating its food.

 Senior Police Officer 1 Racquel Camay, desk officer of Parian Police Station, said that Cañete went to their station and manifested he would no longer file a complaint against Navida for violation of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

 Camay said that the two parties came up with an amicable settlement provided that Navida will shoulder the medical expenses of the dog in the veterinary clinic.

 Navida was released the same day Cañete signed the affidavit of desistance.

 Navida was reportedly at Cañete’s carwash shop to have his motorcycle cleaned. Minutes later, he allegedly picked a dumbbell which he found in the area, opened the dog cage where the husky was kept, and suddenly hit the dog. He then allegedly ate the dog’s food. 

 After seeing what Navida did, the bystanders in the area mauled him.

 Navida earlier said he did not know why he did it but claimed someone was whispering in his ear to do it.  (FREEMAN)