A Labrador retriever named Cooper died after allegedly being repeatedly struck with a piece of wood by a dried fish vendor at a public market in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City, Cebu, authorities said.
The dog’s owner said Cooper had been chained at home, but the family discovered the chain had been broken when they woke up and the dog was missing.
Initial investigation found that Cooper wandered into the market area and passed by the stall of a vendor selling dried fish. The dog reportedly sniffed an empty box near the vendor’s space.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly believed Cooper was a rabid dog and struck him several times with a wooden object.
Before the incident, Cooper was seen on closed-circuit television footage lying on the side of the road and showing no aggressive behavior, according to the initial findings.
The case was brought before barangay officials, and the suspect and the dog’s owner met on Jan. 21. During the meeting, the suspect apologized for what happened.
Despite the apology, the owner said they remain determined to file a formal complaint in connection with the incident.
Officials have not released further details on possible charges, but the incident has drawn attention to concerns over the treatment of animals in public spaces.
The owner maintained that Cooper was not displaying threatening actions before the alleged attack.
Barangay officials said the matter is being documented as the owner pursues legal action.
The case remains under review as authorities continue gathering information surrounding the dog’s death in the market area of Barangay Canduman.
No additional statements were immediately available from the vendor involved.
