Tricycle driver says viral dog-dragging incident an accident

SAN PASCUAL, Batangas — A tricycle driver caught on video allegedly dragging a dog tied to his vehicle along a highway in Barangay San Antonio, San Pascual, Batangas, surfaced Friday to explain his side of the story.

The driver, who also owns the dog, went to the San Pascual Municipal Police Station to give his statement to authorities.

He denied intentionally dragging the dog, adding his pet had jumped off the tricycle while he was on his way to pick up a passenger in nearby Bauan.

The driver said he only realized what was happening when another tricycle driver stopped him and alerted him.

The driver said he had to borrow money to pay for the dog’s veterinary treatment after it sustained wounds.

The dog’s owner has submitted a sworn statement to authorities explaining the incident. He also met with representatives of the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF).

AKF President and Executive Director Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa said the driver’s explanation appeared credible and noted that he repeatedly apologized for what happened. The foundation has decided not to file a complaint against him.

“Tapos napagamot naman at very apologetic naman. Inamin niya na may pagkukulang siya, hindi niya napansin,” Marquez-Caguioa said.

“So based on that, I think we would just– pinapirma namin siya ng undertaking na mas pangangalagaan niya yung puppy kasi alaga rin pala nung anak niya eh,” she added.

The video went viral on social media after it was recorded by a social media user identified as Angel Luzon on Wednesday night. It showed the tricycle traveling along a highway in San Pascual, Batangas, with the dog tied to the vehicle and being dragged along the road.

The incident caught the attention of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, which offered a P25,000 reward for information that could identify the driver and help locate the dog.