Animal fighting is a cruel and inhumane practice that has been around for centuries. Despite being illegal in many countries, including Germany, it still persists as a form of entertainment and gambling in some regions. In particular, Asian countries are notorious for hosting animal fights that exploit a wide range of species, from dogs to birds. This exposé aims to shed light on the appalling conditions these animals endure, as well as the apathy and legal inadequacies that allow this cruel practice to continue.
Since time immemorial, humans and animals have lived side by side. Unfortunately, the boundless imagination of mankind has led to the exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes, including orchestrating brutal fights between them. In certain Asian countries, animal fighting remains a popular and lucrative business, attracting spectators who are willing to pay large sums of money to watch these gruesome contests and place bets on the outcomes.
In the Philippine capital of Manila, dogfighting is a disturbingly common occurrence. Dogs are trained and incited to engage in vicious battles for the amusement of spectators. In one appalling discovery, animal rights activists found a facility housing numerous dogs, many of which were severely injured and traumatized. The dogs were kept in deplorable conditions, chained to old oil barrels, and taken out only when needed for a fight. Many never returned, having lost their lives in combat.
The majority of the animals rescued from such facilities are often so badly injured that they must be euthanized immediately. Those that survive face a bleak future, as there are insufficient resources and facilities to rehabilitate and rehome them. In some cases, the government may decide to euthanize the animals, believing they cannot be successfully reintegrated into society.
The penalties for those who own and operate these illicit animal fighting rings are often woefully inadequate. In the Philippines, for example, the maximum sentence for such a crime is just two years imprisonment. This leniency demonstrates a lack of respect for the lives and well-being of animals and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger animal protection laws and enforcement.
