The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirmed that Killua, the 3-year-old Golden Labrador Retriever slain in Camarines Sur, tested positive for rabies.
On Monday, March 25, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) disclosed that Killua was positive for rabies based on the lab results released by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
However, PAWS also clarified that the test result might be compromised due to various factors.
“While the result of the testing 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 announced.
Following the results, PAWS recommends immediate post-exposure shots for individuals who have been scratched or bitten by Killua, including owner Vina Arazas, the dog’s owner.
Furthermore, PAWS stressed that criminal charges against Anthony Solares, Killua’s confessed killer, will still be pursued for animal cruelty.
Additionally, Solares is also set to face charges for violating the Anti-Rabies Act (RA 9482) due to his involvement in the dog meat trade after PAWS confirmed that he transported the Killua’s bloodied body to a dog slaughterhouse area near his carinderia business.
In line with said developments, Ms. Aida Ruby Dizon-Jeremias, Bicol’s Regional Rabies Program Manager, reminded the public that while getting infected by rabies is 100% fatal, it is also 100% preventable, as long as one gets tended to by a doctor right after he/she gets bit.
Lastly, she also emphasized that if a dog shows symptoms of rabies (such as excessive drooling, fever, aggression, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, etc.), immediately consult a veterinarian. | Melojane Guiriña, Kian Kirby F. Florano