Raid ends in four arrests, with nearly 100 horses abandoned.
Authorities in San Fernando, Bukidnon raided an illegal horse-fighting derby that went ahead despite intervention by both local government and advocacy groups.
The local government and animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals initially flagged an illegal horse-fighting event scheduled for September 15 to 19.
PETA told radar Business that the event still went ahead discreetly. Police raided the first day of the supposed event on September 15. Four individuals were arrested and two firearms were seized, reported Bombo Radyo Malaybalay.
Hundreds of horses were left behind at the supposed fighting grounds, while nearly a hundred individuals fled the scene to evade arrest.
radar Business reported on September 4 that local authorities had initially shut down the event amid risks to animal welfare and potential illegal gambling operations. This also followed an exclusive radar report about a similar horse-fighting event in San Fernando, Bukidnon.
Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act explicitly prohibits horse fights, deeming violence and maltreatment of animals unlawful. The killing of any animal that is not approved livestock is only permitted in certain humanitarian and safety contexts, while killings carried out for religious or cultural practices require the necessary permits.
Violators face prison time of six months to two years and a fine ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000.
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