Korean Air has suspended the transportation of roosters from the US to the Philippines, a country with a large cockfighting industry. Animal rights groups hail the decision as a significant win against the cruel sport, potentially impacting the supply of fighting birds.
The Philippines has a huge cockfighting industry, with Filipinos wagering tens of millions of dollars daily, according to some industry estimates. In this photo taken on Jul 5, 2025, people watch a cockfight in Bulacan province, north of Manila.
Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. MANILA: Animal rights advocates were crowing on Saturday after Korean Air banned transporting roosters on flights from the United States to the Philippines, which has a huge cockfighting industry.
Filipinos wager tens of millions of dollars daily by some industry estimates as they watch two roosters armed with metal spurs fight to the death in clashes that can end in less than a minute. The United States is an important source of roosters for these fights, according to activists as well as local breeder Eduardo Eugenio, who told AFP shutting down US imports would have a"huge impact".
The South Korean carrier said in a statement sent to AFP on Saturday that it had"suspended the transportation of roosters of all ages on routes from the United States to the Philippines".
"Korean Air is committed to the lawful and safe transport of live animals, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," it added. US campaigner Animal Wellness Action said Korean Air was"in our estimation, the biggest global air carrier of illegally trafficked fighting birds". The company did not specifically mention cockfighting roosters in its statement, but animal rights groups said the ban was the result of their campaigning against what they describe as a cruel sport.
In this photo taken on Jul 5, 2025, people watch a cockfight in Bulacan province, north of Manila. Jana Sevilla, spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in the Philippines, told AFP that Korean Air's decision was"for sure" about cockfighting. She noted the Philippines was among a number of countries where cockfighting was still allowed, saying it"should be illegal all over the world".
Animal Wellness Action took credit for the airline's action"after months of investigations, and more recent inter-corporate engagement" in a statement released this week.
"Korean Air ... has agreed to our demand to halt all shipments of roosters to the Philippines," it said. The group said US suppliers who often pose as farmers or"benign breeders" have been sending fighting birds to the Philippines"by the tens of thousands" every year, on top of US-reared birds shipped by ground and air to Mexico.
"Americans are second to none when it comes to propagation of breeding materials," said Eugenio, who runs a 300-bird farm in the southern city of Tagum. We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.
Philippines Cockfighting Korean Air Animal Rights Roosters
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Domestic Helper in Singapore Alleges Exploitation by New Employer, Sparks OutrageA domestic helper in Singapore has accused her new employer of mistreatment, including unpaid wages and inadequate living conditions, prompting calls for legal action and highlighting concerns about worker exploitation.
Read more »
Tehran Air Defenses Activated Amidst US-Iran TensionsIran's air defenses were activated in Tehran to counter drones and small aircraft, occurring as the US signals it won't seek congressional approval for further action against Iran. Supreme Leader Khamenei declares a US defeat and asserts Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, while global oil prices surge.
Read more »
Hong Kong Bans Vaping and E-Cigarettes in Public SpacesHong Kong has enacted a ban on vaping and e-cigarette use in public areas, aiming to curb tobacco use and protect public health. The new law carries fines and potential jail time for violators, and authorities are considering further restrictions.
Read more »
China and US urged to prepare for high-level talks amid Taiwan concernsChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed upcoming high-level exchanges and the sensitive Taiwan issue, with Wang emphasizing it as the biggest risk to relations. The call took place ahead of a planned summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump and also touched upon the Middle East situation.
Read more »
Philippines, Singapore sign carbon trading deal to boost emission cuts, climate investmentMANILA - The Philippines and Singapore on Thursday (April 30) signed a carbon-trading deal that allows them to share emissions reductions, an agreement which Manila said is expected to lead to more investment into climate projects in the Philippines.
Read more »