K9 handler caught mistreating a service dog suspended
A K9 handler was caught on video mistreating a service dog on the premises of Meralco. —COURTESY OF NICOLE ESPIRITU/SCREENGRAB
[Updated Sept. 4, 2025, 1:10 p.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — A K9 handler who was caught on video mistreating a service dog on the premises of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has already been suspended.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Search and Secure Canine Training and Services International Inc. (SAS K9) said the K9 handler, who was their employee, acknowledged his actions and expressed willingness to undergo necessary corrective measures after the incident.
“The handler has been placed under preventive suspension and has been directed to return to our K9 training facility in Cavite for retraining and reassessment,” the SAS K9 said.
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“As an organization committed to the highest standards of animal care and training, we hold ourselves accountable to ethical and humane practices,” it added.
The security agency noted that they will conduct an internal review and a reinforcement of their handler training protocols “to ensure this does not happen again.”
“Our K9s are not merely working animals; they are our partners. We remain firm in our commitment to their welfare. Positive reinforcement, including the use of toys such as balls as rewards, is central to our training approach,” said the SAS K9.
In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Nicole Espiritu, the uploader of the viral video, said that the incident occurred at 3:26 p.m. on Wednesday.
Espiritu said after witnessing the handler mistreat Bingo in the Meralco premises, she immediately reported it to Meralco’s administration and took a video as evidence.
However, she was only able to speak with the office guards and was not able to report the incident at that time.
“I asked several times where I could report it, but no one answered. The video just went viral on Facebook, so maybe it got [Meralco administration’s] attention,” she added in Filipino.
‘Deeply disturbed’
In a separate statement on Thursday, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga likewise acknowledged the viral video, emphasizing they are “deeply disturbed” by what happened and are “treating this matter with utmost seriousness.”
“Our values demand that we act with integrity and malasakit [compassion], a value that guides how we treat not just people, but every living being under our care. What happened is not only unacceptable, it stands in direct contradiction to everything we believe in,” Zaldarriaga said.
He mentioned that they are currently coordinating with SAS K9 and other relevant authorities to ensure that a “full and immediate investigation” is conducted.
‘Bingo is now safe’
In the same statement, Zaldarriaga said Bingo is already safe and “receiving the proper attention and care he deserves.”
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“Bingo’s well-being remains our top concern. We are ensuring he is cared for in a safe, nurturing environment and will continue to monitor his condition closely,” Zaldarriaga said.
The company added that they are likewise reviewing all related practices to ensure that every animal under their operations is treated with respect, dignity, and kindness.
“Animal cruelty has no place in our organization. We are committed to doing what is right—not only by taking swift action in response to this incident, but by reinforcing our standards to prevent anything like this from ever happening again,” Zaldarriaga said. /cb/abc /mr
