CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Animal Welfare Society (CAWS) has reminded pet owners to exercise vigilance and responsibility following a viral incident in Barangay Katipunan, Villanueva, where a dog was accidentally dragged by a moving tricab on February 17.
Public concern mounted Tuesday after a video circulated on social media showing a black Aspin tied to the back of a tricab while it was running along the road.
In an interview, Villanueva, Chief of Police, Police Major Princess Bergado said the 37-year-old female driver claimed she was unaware that her dog was still tied to the vehicle when she left their home.
According to Bergado, the dog had been tied to the tricab as a precaution against theft. The driver allegedly instructed her daughter to untie the dog before departure, but the instruction was not carried out.
“Initially, iyang statement nga wala gyud daw niya tuyoa. Kanang iyang iro pirmi gyud daw niya ginahikot sa iyang tricab kay proteksyon sa kawat,” Bergado said, stressing that the act was not deemed intentional.
The dog, named “Blacky,” was immediately brought to a veterinary clinic for medical evaluation. CAWS President Israel Emata personally went to the police station to look into the incident.
Veterinarians found only minor bruises on Blacky’s feet and administered medication. Emata said the dog remained sociable and responsive despite the ordeal.
“Palangga man nila ang iro. Sociable man siya ug happy sa iyang owner. Amo lang gyud siyang i-monitor ug among bisitahon sa ilang balay aron maseguro ang iyang kahimtang,” Emata said.
While no charges were filed, CAWS emphasized that the incident serves as a reminder for pet owners to remain cautious and proactive in safeguarding their animals.
Under Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect are prohibited.
“Be responsible pet owners. Dili ta magpasagad kay protected na gyud sila sa balaod. Dili lang pagpakaon, apil ang pag-atiman sa ilang health ug regular check-up,” Emata emphasized.
Both CAWS and the Villanueva Police reiterated that even unintentional incidents can cause harm and that pet owners must take extra precautions to prevent similar situations.
Blacky has since been returned to her owner, with CAWS set to closely monitor her condition in the coming days to ensure her continued safety and well-being.
