Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. has ordered an investigation into allegations of an illegal dog meat trade in Daanbantayan, where dogs from the municipal pound are reportedly being slaughtered for food.
Immediate Investigation Ordered
Mayor Arrabis directed the Daanbantayan Police Station to conduct an immediate investigation to verify the claims and identify those involved. In a Facebook post on Thursday, April 23, 2026, he met with Police Chief Danilo Colipano to discuss next steps against the illegal activity.
The allegations were raised by Maria Fe Buhayan, an animal welfare advocate, who accused the municipal dog pound of selling dogs to the illegal dog meat trade, a serious violation of the law.
Buhayan's Account
In a viral Facebook post and interview on Thursday, Buhayan said she first discovered the operation in 2023 after receiving a report about the condition of dogs in the pound. She recalled seeing two men arrive at the pound carrying ropes and taking three dogs from their cages. Initially, she thought the animals were being adopted.
"Later, my source told me that the dogs would be slaughtered and the meat sold to eateries," Buhayan said. She added that the dog meat was allegedly sold to local eateries near the public market and cockfighting arenas in Daanbantayan. Buhayan said they monitored the trade for several months before deciding to intervene.
She also accused the police of failing to act promptly when she reported the incident. Furthermore, she claimed the dogs were neglected inside the pound, lacking proper food and water, even after she donated dog food. Distressed by what she saw, Buhayan admitted to buying dog meat from a suspected vendor just to confirm the report. She also acknowledged that she did not witness the actual slaughter. She documented everything through photos and videos with the help of organizations like the Animal Kingdom Foundation.
Mayor's Clarification
Despite the allegations, Mayor Arrabis clarified that the local government unit (LGU) does not yet have its own dog pound. According to the mayor, plans to build a pound are still with the Municipal Engineering Office for the crafting of design, program of works, and estimates for the shelter.
Under Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998), it is illegal to maltreat, neglect, or slaughter animals, including dogs. Those found guilty may face severe penalties under the law.
