Amidst public outrage, distressing photos of a security guard at SM North EDSA allegedly throwing a puppy off a footbridge have gone viral, sparking shock and concern among the general public.

Eyewitness Janine Santos recounted the harrowing event, stating that the guard confronted children who were reluctant to leave the footbridge. However, onlookers were left horrified as they witnessed the guard hurling the defenseless puppy, named Browny, who tragically succumbed to its injuries.

The incident swiftly spread across social media, prompting a wave of condemnation and demands for justice. Facebook user Janine Santos shared her account of the heart-wrenching incident, and her post quickly gained immense attention, garnering nearly 100,000 likes and over 25,000 comments.

Santos expressed her shock and indignation, proclaiming, “The guard tried to shoo away the children, but when they didn’t leave, he threw the dog from the footbridge. That’s unacceptable! This is beyond cruel!”

Following the outcry, SM North EDSA released an official statement addressing the incident and taking swift action against the security guard responsible. The statement expressed deep sadness and sympathy, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

It read, “With extreme sadness, we sympathize with the group of youngsters regarding the incident that happened outside our mall today. The security guard has been dismissed and is no longer allowed to service any of our malls nationwide.” The mall’s response aimed to reassure the public of their commitment to animal welfare and the severity of the matter at hand.

Animal rights organization Animal Kingdom Foundation joined the chorus of voices condemning the guard’s actions. In a powerful Facebook post, the NGO called out the guard, identified as Jojo Malecdem, for committing such a heinous act of cruelty.

The organization highlighted the puppy’s name, Browny, emphasizing that he was not a disposable object but a living being who brought joy to his owners. Animal Kingdom Foundation’s post resonated with their 278,000 followers, amplifying the call for justice and accountability.

The Quezon City government also responded swiftly, issuing a statement assuring the public that they were taking the matter seriously. They pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly, invoking Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act. The government’s commitment to upholding the rights and protection of animals sent a strong message that such acts of cruelty would not be tolerated in the city.

• CREDIT to Janine Santos for some of the photos.

As the nation grapples with this distressing incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards all living creatures. The viral nature of the incident underscores the power of social media in holding individuals accountable and demanding justice. The tragic fate of Browny, the innocent puppy, has ignited a firestorm of emotions and a renewed determination to safeguard the welfare of animals.

The incident serves as a call to action, prompting society to reflect on the treatment of animals and the urgent need for education and awareness regarding animal rights. As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the pursuit of justice for Browny and a strong message to deter further acts of cruelty.