Friend,
I’m writing to you with an important update from court.
The defendant in the Tarlac dogfighting case has entered a plea of not guilty. That decision was unexpected. But I want to be absolutely clear with you: this is not an indication that our evidence is weak.
We did the work properly. Dogs were rescued. Evidence was secured. Documentation was built carefully and methodically. A not guilty plea doesn’t undo any of that. What it does mean is that this case now moves into a full trial, scheduled to begin in April 2026.
From this point forward, the work becomes about endurance.
Dogfighting cases aren’t won in a single hearing. They’re won by preparation, persistence, and ensuring the defence has no room to exploit delays or under-resourced prosecutions. That’s exactly what we are committed to doing.
Because of this plea, we now need to engage additional legal support around the case. Our role is to assist state prosecutors, ensure the trial is thoroughly prepared, and make sure the court has every reason to impose the maximum penalty if the defendant is found guilty.
Your gift contributes to legal preparation, expert input, and the sustained work required to stay fully engaged from now through trial. This case will be won by many people stepping in, not by any single contribution.
Thank you for standing with us, and for standing with the dogs whose lives brought this case before the court.
For all animals,
Jacob Lloyd
Chief Executive
Animal Welfare Investigations Project
P.S. Friend, your gift today doesn’t only support this trial. It also helps us continue investigating other active cruelty cases right now, where dogs are still at risk and timing matters just as much.