The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against the driver of a car that went viral online after it was seen carrying a dog inside its trunk.
According to Tina Panganiban-Perez’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the LTO is asking the car owner and driver to explain the viral video, and why they should not be charged for reckless driving and their driver’s licenses suspended.
The driver’s brother reached out to the video uploader to update her that the dog seen in the video is in good condition.
He also explained that his sibling rescued the dog, but was afraid to be bitten knowing that the dog is still unfamiliar with them. Hence, the reason why it was put in the trunk instead.
GMA Integrated News reached out to the driver of the car involved in the issue. The brother, however, sent videos of the dog being bathed and noted his sibling is not a bad person.
The brother also told GMA Integrated News that the dog was a pet of an acquaintance who could no longer take care of the animal.
For its part, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will file criminal charges against the involved individuals.
“PAWS will be pursuing the criminal case. We are already drafting our criminal complaint against the registered owner. This is a clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Nakalagay pa doon, if you placed an animal in the trunks of vehicles, [it is] automatic violation under Section 4,” said PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera.
PAWS advised individuals who are afraid of being bitten by a rescued animal that they can use a towel to carry it.
It also warned that if the animal dies while in transport, one can be fined with P100,000 and/or up to two years of imprisonment. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News
