Earlier this month, as a result of tip offs from concerned citizens and subsequent surveillance, a well organized International dog fighting Syndicate was busted in a warehouse operation in Barangay Mahabang Kahoy, Indang town, Cavite province in the Philippines. More than 240 dogs were found in appalling conditions by the Philippine National Police and the Animal Kingdom Foundation. The high tech Syndicate appears to have been operating a website out of South Korea, and several South Korean Nationals were arrested along with Philippine trainers and dog handlers. Dog fight matches were live streamed to worldwide dog fighting communities, giving people the ability to place bets online. Live streaming dog fights is not new, but busting high tech operations is quite an achievement.
Unfortunately, it doesn't end at the local bust. The work now begins. According to a representative from Anti Dogfighting the arrested suspects, which include the Filipino caretakers and South Korean technical organizers, will face charges for violating Sec. 6 of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. However, it is likely that this operation in Cavite had a great deal of financial support from others involved. Therefore, it is essential that the authorities see this investigation through accessing computer records, paperwork, APBT pedigrees and so on.
The dogs were left in the care of the Cavite Provincial Vet for the Bureau of Animal Industry, not an animal welfare organisation and by December 7 animal rescuers learned that the police began to adopt out the dogs without any health, behavioural or temperament assessments, and no screening of the adopters. In fact, it appeared that no veterinary care was being given to these dogs at all! Local Filipino rescuers swung into action and travelled to Cavite on December 8, and immediately arranged for the removal of the dogs to Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Rehabilitation Centre in Quezon City over the weekend. However when the rescuers arrived in Cavite last Thursday they found only 74 dogs! Two of those dogs have since died, and a few had to be put to sleep as their injuries were so grave. Sixty-nine dogs are now at the PAWS Rehab Centre temporarily, until a long term care plan can be developed.
More than 100 dogs were adopted out in Cavite, so now the rescuers will be investigating where these dogs went. Their reckless surrender to all who showed interest won’t be forgotten. Now that the remaining dogs are safe and will receive proper care, the groups will meet to discuss how to proceed with the long term care, assessment, and eventual adoption of these dogs. The Cavite Pitbulls and the organizations taking responsibility for them desperately need money and assistance for care and rehabilitation. PAWS already have over 300 rescued dogs and the additional 69 is posing a financial and organisational stress to the organization. There are caring individuals representing several rescue organizations who will not abandon these dogs. To donate to help these dogs, visit the donation website set up by Friends for the Protection of Animals.
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