MANILA -- Although killing dogs for their meat is illegal in the Philippines, "Azucena" remains available in some areas of the country where it considered as a special treat.

Since stray dogs are usually the target of illegal meat traders, consuming their meat is often unhygienic.

Republic Act 9482 also prohibits the trade of dogs for meat, since they can be a source of rabies outbreaks.

The killing of dogs also involves a cruel, inhumane process. Many of the stray dogs are kept in small cages and starved for days before they are butchered.

The process is a clear violation of the "The Animal Welfare Act of 1998" or R.A. 8485, which states that the killing of animals other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabao, horse, deer and crocodiles is illegal.

To raise public awareness, top rating primetime series "Ang Probinsyano" will look into the issue.

The series will show that dogs are not food -- that they are members of a family.