TRIGGER WARNING: ANIMAL CRUELTY

Authorities in Cebu are tracing the source of a video that showed adopted puppies allegedly being fed to a hungry python.

A netizen posted a video of the incident sourced from a certain “emma” whose social media address showed that she was from Carmen, Cebu.

The video, which showed small puppies being placed inside a cage with a huge python, sparked an uproar after it was first shared on social media.

Based on initial investigation, Carmen Police said no incident of the same nature transpired in the past weeks.

“The alleged places of incidents were also checked in coordination with barangay captains and with the local populace, proving that no incident transpired,” Carmen Police Station said in a statement.

They are now subjecting the video to cyber investigation to trace its digital footprints.

“Rest assured that PNP Carmen will not stop until we find the truth and put the perpetrators in jail,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, animal welfare group Island Rescue Organization said that they are also working closely on addressing the concerning reports regarding the alleged feeding of adopted puppies to a snake.”

“We emphasize the importance of caution when placing cats and dogs for adoption. A thorough adoption process must be imposed to ensure the welfare of these animals.This is one act of animal cruelty, feeding live animals,” the group said.

Any person found liable may be charged with violation of Republic Act 10631 or the Philippine Animal Welfare Act of 2013, which imposes a penalty of both jail time and a fine.