After SM North EDSA took action against the security guard who threw a helpless puppy from a pedestrian bridge, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will file a case against him. This happened after a viral Facebook post detailed the horrible incident and called for the proper authorities to hold the guard accountable. Here’s what happened.

TW: Animal cruelty

Guard at SM North EDSA throws a puppy over the bridge

Last July 11, Janine Santos went on Facebook to ask for help in identifying a guard from SM North EDSA who was involved in an animal abuse incident. According to the post, the guard was allegedly trying to make a group of kids leave the premises but instead of talking it over, he took their puppy and threw it over the bridge.

“Pa-share po para mabigyan ng hustisya yung ginawa dun sa tuta. Nakakaawa ung mga batang mayari dun sa aso! Please po pashare!” begged Santos. As of writing, her post has reached 91k shares.

Immediately after the incident, Santos said there was a man who tried to reason with the Guard, but all the latter had to say was “Wala akong pake.”

“Lahat po ng tao na nakasaksi halos maiyak dahil sa kawalang hiya nung security guard,” she continued.

According to her, a kind man who was passing under the bridge carried the puppy. The kids, along with a representative from The Block at SM North EDSA, were able to bring it to the vet. However, the vet pronounced the puppy dead on arrival.

A guard threw a puppy from SM North’s walkway
by u/whiterose888 in Philippines

SM North EDSA issues a statement

Hours after the incident went viral online, SM North EDSA conducted a swift investigation and immediately dismissed the guard involved.

“We have called the attention of the security agency to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. The Security Guard has been dismissed and is no longer allowed to service any of our malls nationwide,” said the statement.

“As a pet-friendly establishment, we strongly condemn any acts that endanger or harm the lives of animals,” it ended.

Netizens were happy with the decision and praised SM for taking a stand.

“Well done, SM. Good job for the immediate action,” commented one Facebook user.

“Thank you so much SM North Edsa. But we don’t justify what happened to the puppy. He should go to jail,” said another.

PAWS are filing a case

Meanwhile, the PAWS said they are filing a case vs. the security guard. “PAWS condemns in the strongest possible terms this act of cruelty. We are demanding an immediate investigation of this incident and we have gotten in touch with witnesses so that we can file a case,” said the statement.

PAWS reminded everyone of the Animal Welfare Act that “does not protect only animals that are owned nor does the law seek to punish only large-scale cruelty done to companion animals” but also protects stray animals.

“The guard’s behavior and the act of killing the puppy is certainly what the Animal Welfare Act seeks to punish,” it continued.

The post also shared that PAWS has received over 190 emails about the incident. They said they are “as outraged” as these concerned citizens and are “taking steps in filing this case with the help of a witness.”

“PAWS is committed to file a case and hold accountable the person responsible for this horrific cruelty,” PAWS added.

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