“Heroes deserve better.”
This was the message from the non-government organization Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) in a letter addressed to the Philippine National Police unit that handles trained canines, following viral photos showing a seemingly malnourished dog.
On Monday, August 4, the animal organization expressed concern over the condition of a police dog handled by the Manila Police District–Explosives and Ordinance Division (MPD-EOD) during an explosion investigation in Tondo, Manila over the weekend.
The photos, posted by The Philippine STAR, drew attention on social media, with some users tagging AKF in the comments to raise awareness about the dog’s condition.
Some of the dog’s ribs were visibly protruding, indicating a possible state of malnourishment.
ALSO READ: Photos of K9 dog used by police in Manila bomb investigation draw concerns
AKF condemned the condition of the police dog and addressed a letter to the PNP’s Explosives Ordinance Disposal and Canine Group. The letter reads:
AKF is writing this open letter with grave concern after seeing the photographs posted in the Philippine Star of a PNP K9 dog appearing visibly emaciated and possibly suffering from neglect.
As one of the country’s official law enforcement units entrusted with the care and deployment of service animals, your group is held to high standards not only of discipline, but expectedly, also of humane treatment and animal welfare.
Under Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by RA 10631, The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines, all animals, especially those used for work or public service, are entitled to proper care, nutrition, shelter, and veterinary attention.
This law applies to both private individuals and government institutions without exception. K9 dogs serve our country with loyalty, courage, and no voice of their own. Their welfare is not a secondary concern, it is a legal and moral obligation.
We respectfully urge your unit to immediately investigate the condition of this dog and possibly all K9 dogs under your custody, to ensure immediate veterinary evaluation and care, and review your protocols to prevent future instances of neglect.
We trust that your office will respond swiftly and uphold the dignity of your canine partners who serve alongside you in the line of duty.
K9 dogs are also heroes and deserve better treatment.
The org’s post has so far earned over 13,000 likes and reactions, 1,800 comments and more than 5,400 shares.
Law enforcers use dogs to help detect drugs and explosives.
These canines are trained to recognize the scents of illegal substances like cocaine and marijuana, as well as common chemicals found in bombs.
