ILOILO — A suspected dog-poisoning problem has resurfaced at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), with one Miag-ao campus dog found dead and another feared dead nearly a year after three dogs reportedly died under similar circumstances.
The apparent recurrence has prompted the UPV administration to launch an investigation and appeal for information that could identify whoever may be behind the suspected poisoning.
UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano condemned the incidents and called on the university community to help put an end to animal cruelty on campus.
“To one and all, I appeal to your sense of outrage that such a cruel – and yes, absolutely illegal – act can be committed in our midst. A detailed account of the latest incident will be made available by the University in the coming days,” Dr. Camposano stated.
“For now, I ask all members of the UPV community, in all our campuses and facilities, to report incidents of animal cruelty and abuse, to be vigilant and provide security personnel with actionable information on who might be doing this, and to do whatever is necessary, within the bounds of the law, to stop acts of cruelty and abuse directed at our campus animals. This cannot go on,” he added.
The latest cases involved dogs frequenting the vicinity of the UPV Staff and Employee Condominium.
As of Aug. 10, five dogs — Poochie, Bronny, Numpy, Popper and Mikmik — had been accounted for.
Two days later, Bronny was found lifeless near the newly constructed academic road.
Earlier on Aug. 12, staff members observed Poochie behaving erratically, running aimlessly and trembling before disappearing into the woods.
Despite extensive searches, Poochie has not been found and is now presumed dead.
Security personnel also reported seeing some of the dogs eating from a discarded plastic bag before they began showing signs of distress and vomiting.
The bag reportedly contained rice mixed with a blue-colored substance, raising suspicions that poison may have deliberately been placed in the food.
The circumstances are particularly troubling because UPV reported that three dogs were also found dead from suspected poisoning in 2025. Those animals reportedly exhibited foaming at the mouth.
The recurrence comes despite UPV’s continuing efforts to manage and protect its campus animal population through initiatives such as the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release program.
The university said acts of animal cruelty violate the Animal Welfare Act.
“Under the Animal Welfare Act “(i)t shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat any animal. This includes …killing..,” UPV stated.
“The UPV Administration seriously condemns any act of cruelty directed at our campus animals. An investigation is currently underway. If you have any information pertinent to this case, please reach out to any member of the Security Service Force (SSF),” it added.
UPV is also discussing additional measures to better manage and safeguard animals on its campuses, including strengthening its existing TNVR initiative.
The incidents surfaced shortly after National Aspin (Asong Pinoy) Day, underscoring the university’s appeal for stronger protection of animals within its grounds./PN
