• Home
  • How we take action
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • How we take action
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
Donate now
  • How we take action
  • Testimonials
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
  • Donate
Menu
  • How we take action
  • Testimonials
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
  • Donate

Organized Horse Fighting vs Hearts, Minds & Activism

  • April 5, 2017
  • Organized Horse Fighting
  • Philippines

A year ago, Network for Animals renewed focus on the monstrosity of organised horse fighting. Since then we have met with both success, and death threats.

Despite being illegal, horse fights are organised in city stadiums, often with government support. Raucous crowds pay for entry, in anticipation of intense violence, gore, even death. Bouts take place over ‘fiesta’ weekends, with 60-90 horses facing each other in gruesome one-on-one battles.

horsesEach fights’ victor will mount a single poor female victim as his prize. The mare is used as bait in the fight. She is tied by the neck in the center of the ring, with no hope of escape. Her suffering is unimaginable.

The southern islands of the Philippines, where organized horse fighting takes place,  are known collectively as Mindanao. They are borderline lawless. Despite being made illegal in 1998, elected officials today often help organise events, local TV networks cover bouts, and audiences range from gangsters to children. By attempting to prevent organized horse fighting, a person may easily lose their life.

DSC_1756

The last year has been difficult. Network For Animals has experienced periods where our staff have been afraid to leave their homes in daylight. We have been invited to fights by councillors, then warned to put away our cameras, should we wish to exit alive. The southern Philippines is simply not like the west. But for the sake of the horses involved, we must never give up.

As well as gaining undercover footage at bouts, kind supporters like yourself have enabled our team to create regular veterinary events, where local horses are treated, and their owners encouraged not to take part in horse fighting. Some of the photos above were taken during an April 2015 event in Bukidnon, Mindanao.

DSC_6219 copy

Bukidnon’s governor Jose Maria Zubiri Jr is incredibly special. In 2014, listening to Network For Animals supporters like yourself, and our team on the ground, he banned horse fighting from his province. The move took incredible nerve, and we are highly respectful of his efforts. But as with all change, the status-quo is pushing back.

Our team have discovered fight plans in Sinoda, Bukidnon from 12th – 14th July. We ask animal lovers worldwide to respectfully petition Governor Zubiri, and if they are able, to pledge a small donation to support our work.

By supporting our work, you are reaching out with caring hands to stop animal abuse

Please donate now
Stay up to date

Stay up to date

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Network For Animals Slams Denmark’s Rushed COVID-19 Mink Massacre

An apology by Denmark’s Government is little comfort to animal lovers worldwide after 15 million mink were mercilessly slaughtered on farms across the country. Meanwhile,

10 December 2020

Albatross Beak Mutilation In Atlantic: Fishermen Cut The Bills Off Live Seabirds

Endangered seabirds, including live albatrosses and petrels, are being killed in brutal circumstances by having their bills hacked off by fishermen in three South American

7 December 2020

Caracals Under Seize From Poachers Infiltrating Noordhoek Wetlands

Caracals living in Noordhoek wetlands are under siege from all sides, facing considerable threats to their survival. This nocturnal and elusive wild cat native to

4 December 2020

They Say It Takes A Village, But It Took The World To Save The Life Of Kaavan – The World’s Loneliest Elephant

The world’s loneliest elephant has finally escaped a torturous life of abuse and cruelty inside a dilapidated zoo in Islamabad and is ready to live

1 December 2020

Help us fight cruelty to animals around the world

Click here to donate

Network for Animals

Network for Animals is a non-government, international animal welfare organisation crusading for animals around the world.

© Network for Animals
Privacy policy

Campaigns

Cats In Crisis Disaster Relief Dogs In Distress Elephants Hunting with Hounds Organized Horse Fighting Seal Hunt Worldwide Donkey Crisis

Stay up to date

Receive our regular emails about our campaigns for animals around the world.

Sign up

Stay up to date with our campaigns

Contact us

+1 727 599 8148
+44 (0)20 8471 7666
info@networkforanimals.org

Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
Instagram
Linkedin

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

I agree