Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 27) – An animal welfare organization said it has filed a case against the two motorcycle-riding men seen in a viral video dragging a dog along a highway in Laguna.
“Nagsampa kami ng kasong violation ng RA 8485 or ang Animal Welfare Act,” Heidi Caguioa, Animal Kingdom Foundation Program director, told CNN Philippines’ Balitaan. “Pinagbabawal po dito ang pagmamaltrato or ang pag-inflict ng cruelty sa mga hayop.”
[Translation: We filed a case in violation of RA 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act. It prohibits mistreatment or inflicting cruelty on animals.]
The video circulating on social media showed the dog, which was alive then, was dragged upside down while one of the men held its legs.
According to Caguioa, the two men, who were siblings, claimed that they tried to save the dog after it was hit by a truck. However, they dumped it in a river after it eventually died.
Authorities said they were unable to find the dog’s body.
Caguioa also said the siblings claimed that they are dog lovers.
“Ito pong ginawa nilang pag-drag, pagmamaltrato doon sa isang aso na ito, hindi itong isang indicative ng isang pet-loving citizen,” she said.
[Translation: Dragging the dog was maltreatment. This is not indicative of a pet-loving citizen.]
“Tratuhin natin ng makatao, maayos at respetuhin din natin ang mga hayop, mga aso,” Caguioa added.
[Translation: Let us treat animals, dogs, humanely and with care and respect.]
