14/03/2026
ABUSIVE K9 HANDLER CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY
Remember Bingo? He’s the K9 dog who was violently mistreated by his handler, Noel Gañola, within the premises of MERALCO in Pasig last 2025.
In a video captured of the incident, Gañola can be seen choking Bingo, lifting him up by his leash until he was dangling in the air by his neck. The abuse continued as Gañola repeatedly struck Bingo to his neck and delivered several hard punches to his abdomen.
Immediately after the incident, MERALCO, longtime partner of PAWS in animal welfare, expressed zero tolerance for animal cruelty and acted swiftly to ensure Bingo’s safety. In addition, the witness formally filed a case alongside PAWS.
Initially, the Prosecutor dismissed the case, accepting Gañola’s defense that he was only trying to save Bingo from swallowing a ball, but PAWS filed a Motion for Reconsideration and argued that forcefully pulling Bingo’s leash until he was "dangling in the air by his neck" and striking him can in no way be considered acceptable veterinary practice for clearing a canine airway, as it is contrary to logic, common sense, and basic first aid to attempt to "save" a choking animal by constricting its neck.
Bingo’s handler, Noel Gañola, has now been indicted for violating the Animal Welfare Act.
No job or task can ever excuse violence in any workplace, and certainly not in the treatment of animals. The use of force, fear, or intimidation that causes harm or trauma has no place in training.
K9s are heroes and our sentient partners in service. They risk their lives in the line of duty for humans and serve with nothing but loyalty, and their dedication deserves to be met with proper care, protection, respect, and dignity. Their welfare must be a priority for the humans who are responsible for them.
PAWS will continue to fight for Bingo and working dogs like him. Securing Gañola’s conviction is in line with our mission to end animal cruelty, giving a chilling effect and reminder to abusive trainers: stop torturing working dogs. Committing acts of cruelty can cause you to lose your job, your company to lose its contracts with animal-loving companies like MERALCO, and land you in jail.
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If you witness or film an act of cruelty, please prioritize coordinating with law enforcement officials or submitting your affidavit if you want PAWS to assist you in filing a case.
It is recommended that those with video evidence postpone posting on social media accounts until the case has been filed to avoid instances where the animal offender may try to go into hiding, intimidate additional witnesses, or further obstruct the gathering of evidence that will enable us to secure a conviction.
Learn how to fight animal cruelty at paws.org.ph/prosecution
