PAWS to file charges vs K9 handler for animal cruelty

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWs) will file charges against a K9 handler for allegedly maltreating a dog, which was caught on video that has gone viral online.

In a statement, PAWS said the handler was seen “forcefully and violently” mistreating Bingo the canine when he allegedly engaged in an “aggressive attempt to retrieve a ball from the dog’s mouth.”

“PAWS is deeply outraged and condemns these repeated acts of violence and neglect toward K9s. There is no job, task, or excuse that ever justifies cruelty or violence in any workplace, and certainly not in the treatment of animals,” PAWS said.

“Humane, science-based training methods exist. The use of force, fear, violence, or threats that cause harm or instill trauma has no place in animal training,” it added.

The animal welfare group also said it is coordinating with Meralco officials and the owner of the viral video in the filing of appropriate charges.

“The video taker will be the primary witness in the case to be filed against Bingo’s cruel handler,” PAWS said.

Nicole Andrea, the person who took and uploaded the video, told GMA News Online that the incident took place inside the Meralco compound in Ortigas, Pasig City.\

In her social media post, Nichole said she tried to get the attention of the handler, whom she thought was playing with the canine at first, but her location was too far away.

"After recording the video, tumakbo na agad ako sa Meralco. Kaso di ako pwedeng pumasok (After recording the video, I ran to Meralco, but I was not able to enter), Nichole said.

"Tinawag nila yung handler na nasa video at gusto nilang pakinggan ko. Pero ayoko marinig explanation niya. I don’t know. Ang nasa isip ko lang nun, habang nanginginig ako sa galit, what’s done is done, and it was clearly wrong," she added.

(They called the handler, but I don't want to listen to his excuse. During that time, I thought, what's done is done, and it was clearly wrong.)

In a separate statement, Meralco confirmed the incident took place within company premises.

“We are deeply disturbed by what we’ve seen and are treating this matter with utmost seriousness," the company said.

“We are reviewing all related practices to make sure every animal in our operation is treated with respect, dignity, and kindness,” it added.

The electricity provider further said it is coordinating with Search and Secure Canine Training and Services International Inc. (SAS K9), the security agency handling Bingo, and the relevant authorities in relation to the investigation.

In another statement, SAS K9 said it has issued a formal memorandum of concern to the handler, asking him for an explanation of the incident.

“He has since acknowledged his actions and expressed willingness to undergo the necessary corrective measures,” SAS K9 said.

“The handler has been placed under preventive suspension and has been directed to return to our K9 training facility in Cavite for retraining and reassessment,” it added.

SAS K9 said Bingo is in good health and did not sustain any injuries.

“We take this matter seriously. Internal reviews and a reinforcement of our handler training protocols are already underway to ensure this does not happen again,” it said. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News