A video showing a dog tied and dragged by a motorcycle rider in Calasiao, Pangasinan has sparked public anger and calls for justice.

The incident reportedly happened in Barangay Banaoang. In the viral video posted on social media, the dog can be seen being pulled behind a moving motorcycle, struggling to keep up.

Animal welfare groups condemned the act.

“’Yung pagkakita natin doon sa paghila niya ng aso, malamang ‘yung aso na ‘yun, nagkapilay-pilay. I would say na mamamatay talaga ‘yun. Hindi ‘yun magus-survive sa ganoong ginawa niya kasi hindi naman naipa-vet ‘yun eh,” Greg Quimpo, Regional Manager of the Animal Welfare Investigations Project, said.

Barangay officials said the incident was reported to them and that they already reviewed closed circuit television (CCTV) footage. They confirmed the man in the video is not from their area.

“’Yung matanda na dumaan kasama ‘yung aso na kinaladkad niya, na-review na namin. Alam na po namin kung nasaan siya at pupuntahan namin,” Barangay Chairman Marieta Velasco said.

Authorities are now searching for the suspect and verifying the current condition of the dog.

Under the Animal Welfare Act (RA 8485), it is illegal to torture or harm any animal. Penalties can include a fine of up to P100,000 and imprisonment of up to two years if the animal dies.

“That’s torture, klarong-klaro sa batas ‘yung ginawa niya. That’s a violation ng RA 8485, Animal Welfare Act. Kapag namatay ‘yung aso, I think going around 100,000, pagkakulong ng 2 years, kung namatay. Now, we have to recover ‘yung aso, saan napunta ‘yung aso,” Quimpo said.

As of this writing, the incident has not yet been reported officially to the Calasiao Police Station. However, police said they will coordinate with the barangay for proper investigation.