The non-government organization Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) said it will monitor the condition of the police dog that drew attention for its emaciated appearance after photos from a police operation in Tondo, Manila, went viral.
The animal organization previously wrote an open letter to the Philippine National Police (PNP) unit handling trained canines, expressing concern over the condition of one of its police dogs during an investigation into an explosion in the area on August 3.
Photos showing the K9 dog’s visibly protruding ribs alarmed the AKF, which reminded the police of the Animal Welfare Act, specifically the provisions requiring “proper care, nutrition, shelter, and veterinary attention” for working animals.
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On August 4, the same day AKF issued the open letter, the PNP’s Regional Explosive and Canine Unit–NCR (RECU-NCR) visited the organization’s office to discuss their concerns.
The organization said that Kobe, the K9 Belgian Malinois deployed by the Manila Police District–Explosives and Ordnance Division (MPD-EOD) during the operation, had just completed refresher training.
Kobe was also recently relocated from Taguig to the City of Manila and had just been paired with his new handler, who is a person with a disability (PWD).
“According to them, Kobe’s lab results were normal, his vaccinations up to date, and he was being properly fed,” the AKF said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 5.
“Given AKF’s concerns with the initial findings, it was mutually agreed that Kobe would first complete a 2–3 [two to three] month rehabilitation period before any redeployment,” the org added.
“We will closely monitor Kobe’s recovery and continue to push for accountability and systemic welfare improvements for all working animals. Every service dog deserves proper care, dignity, and protection,” the AFK said.
The AFK also urged agencies to “ensure regular health checks, proper rest, and humane treatment” for service dogs who protect people from danger and harm.
“Service dogs give their all to serve and protect — yet some are not given the best care they deserve,” the org said.
“Their loyalty deserves nothing less than our full responsibility,” the AFK added.
The Animal Welfare Act, also known as Republic Act 8485, states the following:
It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.
Violators will be fined P30,000 and/or be imprisoned for six months to one year if it is determined that an individual has subjected the animal to any cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect, but without causing its death.