13-7-2023 (MANILA) A mall security guard in the Philippines has been fired after being accused of throwing a puppy off a footbridge. The incident took place at SM North Edsa, the country’s second-largest mall, and was witnessed by several people, including Janine Santos, who posted about it on Facebook. According to Santos, the guard grabbed the puppy from two girls who were playing with it and threw it off the footbridge, prompting outrage online.
In response, the SM Group, which owns the mall, released a statement condemning the act and stating that the security guard has been dismissed and banned from serving any of their malls nationwide. The security contractor that directly employed the guard also fired him.
The incident has sparked calls for improved training and screening procedures for private security guards to ensure they are trained to deal with both people and pets. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society has announced plans to file a case against the guard for animal cruelty.
