The dogs that sustained wounds from sling-launched darts (referred to locally as “Indian panâ”) may have caused trouble that enraged individuals, according to an investigation done by the Murcia Municipal Police Station.

The first dog named “Tiktok” in Barangay Blumentritt, Municipality of Murcia, Negros Occidental was found to have five darts stuck in his body, while the other dog named “Bulldog” in Barangay Caliban sustained one dart.

“Tiktok” could have gone astray inside a farm, police said.

“Nandyan lang ‘yan sila sa paligid. Si Tiktok, pumapasok sa bakuran ng ibang residente. Maybe naka-create siya ng harm. Isa sa mga tinitingnan natin na motibo, meron dyang farm, may manokan dyan na posibleng napasok ni Tiktok,” said Major Sherwin Fernandez, chief of the Murcia Municipal Police Station.

While the police already have a person of interest in the incident of animal cruelty upon “Tiktok,” they are still clueless on the identity of the person who hit “Bulldog” in the leg.

The authorities called on cooperation from the public to establish the identity of the culprits.

The public is also advised to report to the Murcia Municipal Police Station immediately any complaints against animals that have caused trouble in the neighborhood.

“Ang aking appeal sa community na may nangyaring same incident, again, ipa-alam dito sa police station. This serves [as] a warning. Sana kung may problema kayo sa aso ng inyong kapitbahay, you tell them,” Fernandez said.

Both dogs are already in good condition after they were rescued by a group of animal welfare advocates. (GMA Regional TV)