Underage girls forced to participate in the torture and killing of animals in gruesome 'fetish' videos.

As a result of a year-long confidential investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia and the National Bureau of Investigation, a La Union woman and her husband have been charged with crimes related to the production of a series of “crush” videos in which animals suffer excruciatingly painful deaths. The videos show scantily clad young girls, some of whom were 12 years old at the time that the videos were allegedly filmed, stepping on and crushing live animals to death. Dorma “Chita” Ridon and her husband, Vic Ridon, were charged with violations of child abuse, animal welfare, human trafficking, and wildlife protection laws. The couple fled when faced with the resulting media coverage, and arrest warrants for both suspects have been issued. PETA is offering 100,000 pesos for information leading to the arrest of these suspects.

“There is no doubt that forcing children to crush live animals to death is an atrociously violent and heartbreakingly cruel crime,” says PETA Asia’s campaigns manager, Rochelle Regodon. “Any kind person who views these abhorrent videos will agree that the persons responsible for them must be brought to justice.”

The “crush” videos depict extreme cruelty to animals, including a rabbit being skinned alive, rabbits flailing and screaming as their ears are cut off and as they are set on fire, a dog being burned with a clothes iron, a monkey and several dogs being repeatedly hit in the eye with the sharp end of a stiletto heel, and puppies being crushed until they vomit their own internal organs. A bill currently in the Philippine Senate would criminalize the sale of such “crush” videos.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Dorma and Vic Ridon is encouraged to call or text PETA at 0999 888 PETA (7382). All callers will be given anonymity if requested.

For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.