Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 12) — A shopping mall dismissed one of its security guards for allegedly throwing a puppy from a pedestrian bridge in Quezon City, with one animal rights group eyeing to sue the individual.
SM City North EDSA issued a statement on Wednesday, saying the security guard reportedly involved in the puppy’s death “is no longer allowed to service any of our malls nationwide.”
The company said it “strongly condemn[s]” any actions that could harm or endanger animals.
It maintained that its establishment remains “pet-friendly.”
“With extreme sadness, we sympathize with the group of youngsters regarding the incident that happened outside our mall,” the firm said, referring to the dog’s owners.
SM City North EDSA also said it asked the security agency to launch an investigation into the incident.
This came after a post about the incident, which happened Tuesday, went viral on Facebook.
According to Janine Santos, the incident resulted in the puppy’s death.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said Wednesday it would file a case against the security guard.
“PAWS condemns in the strongest possible terms this act of cruelty,” it said. “We are demanding an immediate investigation of this incident and we have gotten in touch with witnesses so that we can file a case.”
RJC Corporate Security Services Inc., the agency of the fired security guard, said it has started its thorough investigation and is cooperating with authorities and the parties involved.
There was no immediate statement from the security guard.
