Philippines: Fighting Dogs Being Put Down

Dozens of pit bulls rescued from Philippine dog fights will be put down, say animal welfare officers. They're among close to 300 found after a raid on a fighting ring linked to international online gambling.

Published

about 1 year ago

Categories

World, Asia/Pacific, East Asia

People

Renee Mann, Karen Sloan

Places

Philippines, Manila

Tags

animal abuse, euthanasia, gambling, pet, animal, pit bull, dog

Transcript

ScriptSHOTLIST:AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY San Pablo - 3 April 20121. Pan of farm with pit bull terriers 2. Mid of a skinny pit bull with a letter "P" mark on its body3. Mid of pit bull chained beside fuel drum4. Mid of an injured pit bull breathing heavily, lying on ground5. Various of pit bull lying down 6. Various of cages with pit bulls inside7. Philippine Animal welfare (PAWS) volunteer feeding dog8. SOUNDBITE (English) Wilford Almora, Shelter veterinarian for Philippine Animal welfare (PAWS):"For those that have very bad medical conditions, I mean those that are malnourished with bite wounds, deep wounds, they would have to be put down, also for those dogs that are aggressive and the chances of behavioural rehabilitation is very very slim. Because they been programmed since they were born to fight, so the chances of them being adopted is basically zero so we might have to put them down."9. Almoro approaching an aggressive pit bull10. Wide of police patrolling farm11. Various of pit bull panting heavilySCRIPTThese pit bulls were part of a fighting ring recently broken up by authorities in the Philippines.Close to 300 -- many in terrible condition -- have been kept at this compound south of Manila, and taken in small groups to a nearby arena where, three at a time, they battled each other in front of cameras for an international online audience placing bets.Tragically, some had been rescued from a similar facility during another bust in a nearby province back in December -- but an animal welfare officer said they'd been recycled -- adopted by people who sold them back to those suspected of running the fighting operation.And a Welfare society vet says their rescue this time isn't a happily-ever-after tale either -- a sizeable number are being euthanised...SOTCaretakers will try to rehabilitate those they can.Authorities said eight South Koreans have been arrested and face charges of illegal gambling and cruelty to animals. Two had been arrested back in December as well, but were free after they posted bail.(****END****)VIDEO PRODUCER/VOICER: Karen Sloan------------------------------VIDEO SOURCE: AP TELEVISION--------------------------VIDEO APPROVAL: Renee Mann------------------------------VIDEO RESTRICTIONS: AP CLIENTS ONLY----------------------------------WIRE SOURCE: AP------------------------------------