Man indicted for hitting dog, fighting cocks

CEBU, Philippines - A 50-year-old man is facing charges before the court for allegedly hitting a dog and three fighting cocks with a metal pipe.

 Prosecutor I Fatima Asjali-Maadil indicted Noel Amang, a resident of Lower Budlaan, Barangay Budlaan, Cebu City, for violation of Section 6 of Republic Act 8485 otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act.

 “From the uncontroverted facts stated in the complaint and the supporting affidavits, the undersigned finds reasonable ground to hold respondent for trial of the crime charged against him,” read the inquest resolution.

 Maadil recommended P12,000 bail for Amang’s temporary liberty.

 Cirilo Fernandez, 59, said that after he came home from work on October 3 at around 3 p.m., his live-in partner, Ma. Luisa Erim, told him that their dog and three fighting cocks were allegedly hit by their neighbor using a metal pipe.

 “Right then I together with Erim immediately proceeded to Budlaan Barangay Hall to ask for assistance for immediate arrest of Nilo Archival Amang,” the sworn statement read.

 Fernandez said PO1 Arnel Cabriana went to the house of Amang and arrested him. Police also recovered the metal pipe.

 Fernandez said their dog, worth P5,000, died due to the fatal injuries, while their fighting cocks worth P15,000 suffered fractured bones.

 In an inquest proceeding, Amang manifested to answer the allegations filed against him.

However, despite the time given by Maadil, the latter failed to file his counter-affidavit, thus the filing of the case before the court.  (FREEMAN)