MANILA, Philippines - Police raided a dogfighting arena in San Pablo City, Laguna operated by the same Korean syndicate they had busted last December.
Six Koreans, Filipino caretakers and security guards were arrested during the Friday night raid in San Pablo.
Anna Cabrera, program director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, said about 300 pit bulls and pit bull mixes were rescued from the two-hectare lot where the dogfight ring is located.
However, around 20 dogs will have to be euthanized, she added.
"The same Koreans daw na nahuli sa (who were arrested in) December 2011 in the Indang, Cavite dogfight na nag-post lang ng (who had posted) bail. Malaki ang operasyon, may bago pang ring. Nakakaawa ang mga aso (This is a large operation, they even have a new ring. The dogs are really to be pitied)," Cabrera said.
"Kita ang ribs ng lahat ng aso (All the dogs had their ribs showing). (There is) no proper shelter. Walang tubig ‘yung iba. Nakakaawa (Some have no water. They are really pitiful). These Korean dogfighters need to be punished severely," Cabrera said.
She said the dogfight is part of an online gambling operation the Koreans run.
Cabrera urged the House of Representatives to pass House Bill 5849, which increases the penalties imposed on animal abusers.
Permit obtained for a 'farm'
According to Supt. Ferdinand de Castro, chief of the San Pablo City police, the operators of the dogfighting ring gained a permit from the village by stating that they were operating a "farm."
They have been occupying the two-hectare lot in Purok 3, Bgy. San Gregorio for about six months when residents noticed the number of dogs steadily rising.
Armed with a search warrant, police raided the area early Saturday morning and arrested at least two Koreans. These Koreans were believed to be the same ones arrested in December 2011 in a raid in Indang, Cavite.
Anna Cabrera of PAWS said some of the dogs were in very bad shape. About 20 have already been euthanized while others have died due to poor conditions.
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