What We Are Doing on Horse Fighting
Since Network took on the campaign to end horse fighting in the Philippines, we have implemented a multi faceted strategy to bring a final end to this barbaric practice.
Enforcement - At present there is absolutely no enforcement of RA 8485 by local or national authorities. Network is in the process of facilitating cooperation between local and national authorities and building capacity and political will in order to encourage future enforcement. Training sessions are planned to take place in all horse fighting communities so that police are aware of the law and procedures for combating horse fighting.
Legislative Change - Current Philippines legislation banning the practice of horse fighting is inadequate in that the penalties are minimal. Network is working with animal friendly politicians to upgrade these penalties.
Education - Educating the public about the animal welfare concerns inherent in horse fighting is a crucial part of our work. Network regularly solicits television stations and newspapers to cover the horse fighting issue, thereby reaching hundreds of thousands of people with our message of compassion. Additionally, we print and distribute educational leaflets and posters in horse fighting areas, give presentations to veterinarians, schools and civic groups, and when funding allows, run advertisements in newspapers.
Local Ordinances - Local ordinances outlawing horse fighting can be effective regulatory tools, with local government invested in enforcing laws that they themselves have drafted. Network encourages and works with municipal governments to enact and enforce local ordinances targeting horse fighting.
Funding veterinary care for local horses - Veterinary services for horses in the Philippines are very basic and often too expensive for impoverished local farmers who enter their horses in tournaments. Network provides free veterinary clinics in communities where horse fighting is prevalent as an incentive to stop horse fighting. Our veterinarians not only provide care for immediate problems, but also provide advice on long term care for horses and work to instill a sense of compassion towards horses.
Letter writing campaigns - Tourism is a vital source of revenue for the southern Philippines, an area that has an abundance of world class diving locations and beaches. Network works to generate letters from potential tourists asking local government to eradicate horse fighting or risk losing tourist revenue.
