By Gabriel Kim Leal
(January 6, 2024) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday summoned the tricycle driver in a viral video seen dragging a cat tied to the back of his vehicle in Pangasinan.
It quickly sparked public outrage, with the cat visibly struggling to keep up with the tricycle before collapsing and being dragged along the road. Animal advocates and netizens condemned the act.
“This is unacceptable and only showed the kind of character that this person has. Hindi natin ito palalampasin at titiyakin natin na mananagot ang taong ito,” said LTO assistant secretary Vigor Mendoza II.
The suspect, Ciriaco Mendoza Jr., 71, reportedly ignored the plea of the bystander, who filmed the incident, to stop.
He later claimed that he was trying to get rid of the cat, which he said was causing trouble.
The LTO issued a show-cause order, requiring him to explain his actions at a hearing scheduled for January 20 at the agency’s office in Quezon City. He must also submit a notarized written explanation on why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked under Republic Act 4136.
The LTO suspended his tricycle while the investigation is ongoing.
Malasiqui Police is planning to file charges against the tricycle driver for animal cruelty.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, meanwhile, reminded the public to report incidents of animal cruelty to authorities instead of merely sharing them on social media.
(With reports from Gerard Dela Peña, News5)
(PM)
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