Illegal horse fighting in Philippines
Illegal horse fighting in the Philippines cripples and maims thousands of horses every year. The brutal and bloody contests are continuing on the island of Mindanao with the help of both local police and government officials. Crazed stallions kick, bite and stomp each other into submission, while a screaming crowd of locals cheer on the spectacle.
A helpless mare is tethered in the ring throughout the fight in order to enrage the jealous stallions. The animals "were trained to fight" by their handlers who manipulate the fights to take out the big prizes on offer. The horse fighting season runs all year round in Philippines with crime syndicates reportedly raking in the profits from illegal gambling on the fights.
Horse fighting was banned in the Philippines 12 years ago but this event was run with the full knowledge and open involvement of the local police. The government should do something to stop this brutality against animals.
