Dog injured in latest dart attack in Murcia

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A dog is fighting for his life after being struck by a dart in another case of animal cruelty in Murcia, Negros Occidental — six months after two similar incidents were reported in the same town.

Animal welfare group Bach Project PH reported via social media on Sunday that the arrow pierced dangerously close to the heart of the dog, named “Maxi,” causing severe trauma.

“This poor dog was hit so close to his heart that it could have ended his life on the spot,” the group said.

The animal is currently under emergency care at Barksite Animal Clinic, with its condition described as critical.

“This is the heartbreaking reality of cruelty. He didn’t deserve this. He deserves a chance to live,” the group wrote on their official page.

Bach Project PH is appealing for prayers and donations to support the dog’s urgent medical treatment.

They said the surgery to remove the arrow was successful, but Maxi’s condition remains critical.

“Please, we are begging for prayers that he survives this. No animal deserves to suffer like this. Together, let’s fight for his life,” the group added.

This latest attack echoes a similar incident in February, when two dogs — “Buldog” and “Tiktok” — were rescued from dart-related injuries in different barangays in the same town.

The recurring violence has sparked renewed calls for stronger animal protection measures in the area.

Police Capt. Honey Labaro, chief of the Murcia Municipal Police Station, said the recent incident occurred in Barangay Iglau-an, far from the two barangays affected in February.

Labaro said police visited the area on Monday and gathered statements from the pet owner.

According to the owner’s account, Maxi was found near a comfort room already wounded, prompting the family to seek help from Bach Project PH, as the town’s veterinary clinic was closed that day.

The incident was not immediately reported to police but circulated on social media on Sunday night.

Labaro said the pet owner had no idea who shot the arrow or where Maxi was when it happened, noting that the dog would sometimes leave the compound.

He added that the three attacks appear unrelated, with the earlier cases occurring in Barangay Blumentritt and Barangay Caliban.

Labaro speculated that the latest perpetrator could be a local resident, as neighbors did not notice any unfamiliar individuals in the area.

Police encouraged pet owners to report and file charges in cases of animal cruelty, calling it a serious concern.

Mayor Gerry Rojas earlier offered a PHP10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the person responsible for injuring Tiktok in Barangay Blumentritt.

There have been no updates on that case, which was referred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Meanwhile, Tiktok — who survived injuries from five dart arrows in February — has made a full recovery and recently joined the Athlerun Pawtection Run 2025, crossing the finish line “with the biggest smile,” according to Bach Project PH.

“Tiktok is a brave ‘aspin’ who was stabbed five times with Indian arrows. Her survival proves that second chances are worth fighting for,” the group said.

The fun run was a charity event in support of Bach Project PH, organized by Athlerun.

“With over a thousand participants, this event became so much bigger than we ever imagined, and it was all for our rescues,” the group said.

They added that the event wasn’t just about running — it was about compassion, community, and second chances for animals.

“Seeing more than a thousand people gather for that cause fills our hearts with gratitude and hope.”