The slaughtered golden retriever Killua in Camarines Sur tested positive for rabies, according to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
In a statement, PAWS urged those who may have been scratched or bitten by Killua to immediately get post-exposure shots.
"This includes pet owner Vina Arazas who hugged the bloodied body of her beloved dog when she found him at a known dog slaughter area in Sta Cruz, Bato, Camarines Sur," the statement read.
However, PAWS clarified the rabies test results "may not be accurate due to the fact that the body had already been buried for five days prior to testing and may have been contaminated from being in an area where many stray dogs have already been slaughtered."
"PAWS is making this announcement to ensure that any bites or scratches will be reported promptly in the interest of public health and safety," the group added.
PAWS: Killua’s Body Tested Positive for Rabies, Criminal Complaint Will Still Be Filed Today
— PAWS Philippines (@PAWSPhilippines) March 25, 2024
We would like to inform the public that Killua’s body tested positive for rabies and urges those who may have been scratched or bitten by the dog to immediately get post-exposure shots. pic.twitter.com/nX20uZk42u
In the same statement, PAWS said it would continue to pursue filing criminal charges against the man suspected of killing Killua for violating Republic Act (RA) 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 and RA 982 or the Anti-Rabies Act for allegedly engaging in the dog meat trade.
On March 17, the lifeless body of Killua was found inside a sack in Barangay Sta Cruz in Bato town.
The dog's owner shared a CCTV footage of the incident where the dog killer, identified as Anthony Solares, was seen chasing the animal on the road.
In his defense, Solares claimed that he supposedly prevented the dog from allegedly "attacking" his child.
The suspect allegedly brought the dog to a slaughterhouse and dog meat cooking trade. He also reportedly owns a carinderia business selling meat viands near the dog slaughter area.
The standard protocol for an animal suspected to be afflicted with rabies is for it to “be observed for 14 days or, in case of highly suspected rabies cases, be humanely euthanized with no damage to the head," according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that around 59,000 people dies due to rabies every year.
