results of SPLIT when keys not unique

[Dr. Hawkins]

If I use split such that keys are not unique, will that have the
effect of filtering out duplicates?

For example, if I have
  dog 3
  dog 5
  cat 8

and SPLIT it, will I end up with 5 in entry dog?

More specifically, is this a defined behavior, or "just how it currently works"

I'm trying to find a quick & clean way around SQLite's lack of
"DISTINCT ON"--I need to keep those numbered keys attached to work
with, and DISTINCT alone won't due that.

-- 
Dr. Richard E. Hawkins, Esq.
(702) 508-8462