The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said the driver in Malasiqui, Pangasinan may lose his license if proven to have committed misconduct.

LTO has issued a show cause order and has summoned the driver, Ciriaco Mendoza, Jr., well as the owner of the tricycle, to a hearing on January 20, 2024.

LTO launched the investigation after a video of the incident went viral.

The agency said it will revoke the driver’s license if the driver is found guilty of misconduct.

Mendoza’s son, Arnel, said they will consult a doctor on his father’s health first before they will decide if they would attend the LTO hearing.

“Pag-usapan muna naming magkakapatid. Kasi meron din siyang health issues,” he said.

INCIDENT

The video, which showed Mendoza, 71, dragging a cat tied to the back of his vehicle, sparked outrage from animal welfare groups and netizens.

The footage shows the cat struggling to keep up with the moving tricycle.

The Animal Kingdom Foundation condemned the act strongly, calling it cruel and unacceptable.

Barangay officials located the injured cat and administered first aid before transferring it to a veterinary clinic for further treatment.

Mendoza admitted he was trying to get rid of the cat, which had been scratching and causing trouble.

He has since issued an apology.

"Humihingi ako ng pasensiya o paumanhin. Hindi ko naman intensyon ‘yung ginawa ko na ‘yung pusa na iniligay ko sa tricycle ay brutal," he said.