BACOLOR CITY — A man has been accused of killing a black cat, Ringko, following a troubling incident caught on CCTV footage in Barangay Tangub. The footage, dated July 19, 2024, shows the man, wearing a yellow jacket, in a computer shop shortly before the cat was found dead the following day.
On July 19, the CCTV footage captured the man, who was playing online games, interacting with the black cat, Ringko. The cat was seen resting on top of a computer processing unit (CPU) when the man, visibly agitated after losing a game, took the cat away. By the next day, Ringko was discovered dead, bearing wounds on its body.
The computer shop owner stated that the man had lost a significant amount of money—P450—while playing an online game and reportedly took his frustration out on the cat. The game played was identified as Scatter, where the man lost from an initial P650, leaving him with only P200.
Ringko’s owners, Kit and Kier, are devastated by the loss. They described Ringko as a rescue cat and a cherished family member. Kit expressed profound grief, emphasizing the emotional bond and the role Ringko played in their lives, especially given their lack of children.
Kier echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Ringko’s black color should not be linked to superstitions or negative beliefs. The owners are considering filing a formal complaint with the police and are seeking justice for their beloved pet.
The Bacolod City Veterinary Office and several animal rights groups have expressed support for Ringko’s owners, offering assistance in seeking justice for the cat. Dr. Jec Cabuguason, assistant city veterinarian, commented on the incident, stressing that a cat’s color should not dictate its fate or imply bad luck. He noted that such superstitions are unfounded and do not justify harm to animals.
As of the latest updates, efforts have been made to contact the accused for a statement. The police are awaiting the formal filing of a complaint from Ringko’s owners to proceed with legal actions. The community and animal rights advocates are closely watching the case, hoping for a resolution that ensures justice for Ringko and deters similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of animals and the impact of superstitions on their wellbeing. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and stronger measures to protect animals from abuse.
