MANILA— The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has called for an investigation into the alleged dumping of 29 deceased pets in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, after their owners reportedly paid a crematorium to provide proper handling of their remains.

In a statement, PAWS condemned the alleged deception, saying grieving pet owners entrusted their companions’ remains to a pet crematorium for a dignified farewell but later discovered that the bodies had reportedly been discarded instead of cremated.

The animal welfare organization said the incident could constitute estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, describing the alleged act as a betrayal of the trust placed in the service provider by grieving families.

PAWS urged affected pet owners to come forward and retain documents and other evidence that could support their complaints, including receipts, cremation certificates, communications, and photographs.

It also encouraged them to seek legal assistance in pursuing the appropriate complaints and called on the concerned local government unit to conduct a thorough investigation.

“The bond between a person and a companion animal does not end with death,” PAWS said, expressing its support for affected pet owners in seeking truth, accountability, and justice.

“The trust of a grieving family is not something to be exploited,” it added.

PAWS directed those seeking information on filing complaints and obtaining legal assistance to visit paws.org.ph/prosecution.