A heartbreaking incident in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental has sparked outrage after a missing pet dog was discovered being burned by a neighbor, prompting the owner to pursue legal action under the Animal Welfare Act. The dog, named Joker, was last seen on April 18, 2026, before the shocking discovery.

Pet owner JB Castillo was devastated when she found her beloved mixed-breed dog Joker on top of burning coals at her neighbor’s property. Castillo recounted her disbelief when the neighbor, identified only as alias Romeo, admitted to burning the animal. 

“Kulang na isa ang aking alaga. Hinanap pa namin siya. Sabi ko (sa kapitbahay), nakita mo ba ang aso? Sabi niya, baka iyon ang sinunog ko. Nasa apoy talaga ang aso, kinuha lang niya kasi raw wala siyang enough time, may pupuntahan pa siya,” Castillo said.

Romeo defended his actions by claiming the dog was already dead and emitting a foul odor before he burned it. He insisted that Joker was bloated and smelled bad, but Castillo strongly disputed this explanation. 

“According to his claim, ang aso, masama na ang amoy niya, bloated na. It will still remain questionable ang cause of death. Bakit hindi mo ipinaalam sa may-ari o sa caretaker para mabigyan ng proper burial?” she added.

Determined to uncover the truth, Castillo’s family plans to have Joker’s remains autopsied to establish the exact cause of death. The findings are expected to support the complaint they intend to file against Romeo. Animal welfare advocates have condemned the act, stressing that burning an animal, regardless of whether it was alive or dead, constitutes cruelty.

Lowella Sanicas, information officer of Community Animal Rescue Efforts, Inc., emphasized that Romeo’s actions violated the Animal Welfare Act. “Regardless, sinunog niya. Act of cruelty pa rin iyon. Sana inilibing, hinanap ang owner. Number one, hindi acceptable na kung may patay na dogs or cats, susunugin mo,” she said.

The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the importance of responsible animal treatment and the legal consequences of cruelty. Castillo is now preparing to file charges, with authorities expected to rely on the autopsy results to determine whether violations were committed and if formal charges will be pursued.

This incident in Negros Occidental underscores the urgent need for stronger awareness and enforcement of animal welfare laws in the Philippines, ensuring that pets like Joker are treated with dignity and respect even in death.