A foreign national seen in a viral video violently kicking a community cat named “Ken” inside a park on Ayala Avenue, Makati City, will face animal cruelty charges, the Makati City Police announced on Friday, March 7.
In a statement, the police said charges will be filed against the man for violating Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631.
“The suspect was captured in a CCTV footage committing an act of animal cruelty at approximately 8:18 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2025, in the Ayala Triangle area, Makati City. The footage shows the suspect kicking a stray cat, resulting in its death, in clear violation of the law,” the police said.
“According to an excerpt report for blotter from Barangay Bel-Air, OIC William Ontoy and Makati INFRA Security Patrol members SG Jerome S. Bayaras and SG Cano responded to a report of animal cruelty and consequently coordinated with the Makati City Police for further investigation. Despite the presence of two residents who witnessed the act, they declined to file a complaint,” it added.
The Makati City Police will instead act as the nominal complainant in the incident.
The formal complaint for violation of the Animal Welfare Act is being prepared for filing with the Office of the City Prosecutor in Makati City.
“The Makati City Police reaffirms its commitment to uphold the law and protect the rights and welfare of all living creatures, as mandated by law. Therefore, acts of cruelty against animals will not be tolerated, and violators will definitely be held accountable for their actions,” Makati Police chief Col. Jean Dela Torre said.
Justice For Ken
The incident went viral on social media after animal welfare group Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) Welfare Philippines sought assistance from the public to identify the foreigner who attacked the community cat named Ken.
According to the group, a foreign national was caught on CCTV kicking the resting cat while walking around Ayala Triangle Garden. Ken immediately died.
“Under Republic Act No. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998) as amended by RA 10631, acts of cruelty, abuse, and killing of animals are punishable by fines and imprisonment. This brutal act must not go unpunished. Violence against animals is unacceptable, and those who commit such acts pose a danger to both animals and society,” CARA Welfare stressed.
“We refuse to let this innocent life be forgotten. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED. Help us hold the perpetrator accountable and ensure that no other community animal suffers the same fate.
A substantial monetary reward will be offered for confirmed information leading to his location,” it added. (Patrick Garcia)
