LTO summons cat-dragging tricycle driver

(UPDATE) THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show cause order against a tricycle owner over a viral video of him dragging a cat on the road in Malasiqui, Pangasinan.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the registered owner of the tricycle with plate number 206-WLY, identified in published reports as 71-year-old Ciriaco Mendoza Jr., was seen driving the vehicle during the incident.

«This is unacceptable and only shows the kind of character that this person has. We will not let this incident slide, and we will make sure he faces the consequences of his actions,» Mendoza said on Monday after watching the video.

The LTO chief added that the driver would be asked to explain his actions as part of due process.

In addition, he said, the registered owner should «submit a written and notarized explanation as to why his driver's license must not be suspended or revoked for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.»

He also said the tricycle would be placed under alarm to prevent any transaction while the case was being investigated.

The LTO also invited the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to attend the hearing on Jan. 20.

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«This has reference to the investigation being conducted by this office in relation to a viral video circulating on social media (Facebook) wherein a tricycle with Plate No. 206-WLY is shown dragging an animal while driving on the road,» LTO's invitation read.

«Given that this case pertains to animal cruelty, we believe that your participation would be of significant interest. We hope for your positive reply and look forward to collaborating in resolving the case,» the agency added.

The viral video, posted on Facebook Saturday by Ken Ordonio, shows a tricycle dragging a cat on a road in Pangasinan. The cat initially tried to keep up with the tricycle but gave up in the end and was dragged along the street. Ordonio's voice can be heard in the video accusing the driver of torturing the animal.

Animal rights groups condemned the incident.

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Heidi Caguioa, project director of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, called the act «cruel.»

«Apparently, it was very clear that the cat was being tortured, so it's really