Students involved face no charges—CAS Rep
By Lysander Tiu
Following the investigation of a student kicking a dog on campus, the Silliman University (SU) History-Political Science Society (HPSS) Department concluded that the incident was a misunderstanding.
Last Apr. 4, the department wrote a statement in response to the incident, noting that its officers and College of Arts and Sciences Rep. Franz Liam Tero filed an official complaint against the individuals involved.
According to Tero, the three students identified in the video were called to a meeting with the department chair and the chair for conflict resolution on April 7.
“It was said that the video was taken beforehand but her friend posted it. The context behind it is that they were just playing […] and they did not mean to hurt the puppy,” he said.
Tero explained that the students adopted the dog from its owner in Turtle Island, Siaton on a “parental program” and covered its medical expenses and vaccination.
“The fact that they took the dog from where it originally was and wanted to take care of it reflects that they really want to help the dog,” he stressed.
Moreover, Tero noted that the department decided not to pursue further action regarding the incident.
“Upon investigation by the department, I recommended sanctions, but the department said that there is no need because what they did was just misunderstood,” he said.
He also confirmed the safety of the dog and gave a “strong reminder to not do such things” as it can be taken out of context.
The university will issue another official statement after receiving the minutes of the meeting and recommendations sent by the HPSS Department.
SU’s stance on animal welfare
In a public statement released on April 4, SU expressed that it “does not condone cruelty towards animals” and assured that “appropriate and necessary actions” were taken.
“It urges all students, faculty, and staff to value and respect all forms of life on campus,” they wrote.
Meanwhile, the 33rd SUSG Student Assembly previously passed a resolution requesting the SU administration, through its Board of Trustees, to adopt a “comprehensive animals-on campus university policy.”
However, College of Law Rep. Francis Bulado commented on SU’s statement that there are “no policies related to animal welfare” on campus despite the proposals of the legislative body last year.
“Currently, there are no clear protocols for handling stray animals. No established rules for bringing pets. No guidelines for bringing wild animals onto campus, especially during Hibalag,” he wrote.
In a Facebook post published on April 4, the SUSG Advocacy Committee also mentioned the Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” recalling SU’s pledge as a wildlife sanctuary.
Last 2019, SU declared the campus as a wildlife sanctuary, which strictly prohibits any form of harm against wildlife species within the campus.
