The Benguet Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed for lack of probable cause a case filed against a La Trinidad eatery operator for violation of Republic Act 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

In a resolution penned by Assistant provincial prosecutor Raymond Botengan, the prosecutor’s office ruled that the act complained of did not constitute a violation of the law as it “clearly refers to live dogs intended to be butchered and sold as meat.”

“The law refers to trafficking of live dogs,” added Botengan. “It cannot be expanded to the trade or sale of dog meat for consumption inside restaurants or eateries.”

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by one Dr. Sam Santos that paved the way for a test-buy by National Bureau of Investigation agents on May 21 at the Comiles Eatery along Km. 3 in La Trinidad.

The agents ordered dog meat and the head then brought these to the City Veterinarian for examination. The latter confirmed that meat brought to the office belonged to a dog.

With the evidence, the agents filed a case against eatery operator Joan Beray for violation of RA 9482.

Botengan said the law did not mention of any violation involving the sale of dog meat in restaurants or eateries. Provincial Prosecutor William Bacoling approved the resolution.

At the same time, Assistant Prosecutor Andres Gundayao said the Animal Welfare Act, which deals with violence against animals, should be amended to remove the impression that it is biased against dogs.

“The law in general prohibits violence against animals but it does not seem to cover cockfighting where blood is spilled to determine the winner,” he said.

“Adding insult to injury, whoever comes out winner has happiness and celebration written all over his face,” he added.