Authorities have arrested a man behind an illegal dog fighting ring that was being livestreamed on social media in La Paz, Tarlac.
According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), a concerned citizen tipped off the authorities about the suspect’s cruel activities involving various breeds of dogs.
With the help of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIDG-AOCU), police apprehended the suspect and rescued several dogs believed to be used in the fights.
When recovered, the dogs were reportedly found in poor condition—many were injured, weak, and confined in small cages. Some puppies were also reportedly subjected to abuse and did not survive.
The rescued dogs have since been turned over to the Animal Welfare Investigation Project (AWIP) for immediate medical care and rehabilitation.
The suspect is now in the custody of the CIDG-AOCU and is facing charges for violating Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.
