MANILA: The Philippine Embassy in France has warned the Filipino community that cockfighting is illegal in the country amid reports of Filipinos engaging in the activity and associated illegal gambling.
In an advisory issued Monday, the embassy said it was alerted by French authorities that some Filipinos were holding cockfighting events and engaging in illegal gambling. The embassy also noted complaints about disturbances and littering associated with the activities.
“Filipinos in France are therefore advised that illegal cockfighting is an act of animal cruelty punishable in France by three-year imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros,” the Embassy warned.
A fine of 45,000 euros is approximately P3.23 million.
The embassy reminded Filipinos living and working in France to abide by its laws and regulations.
“Let us maintain the good name and reputation of the Filipino community with our French hosts,” it added.
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which two specially bred and trained roosters, or gamecocks, are placed in a pit or arena to fight.
In some traditions, sharp blades or spurs are attached to the birds’ legs, and spectators may bet on the outcome. Because fights can seriously injure or kill the birds, the practice is banned or tightly regulated in many countries.
It remains especially well known in the Philippines, where it is called “sabong” and has long been associated with local fiestas, gambling and gamecock breeding.
Traditional cockfighting remains legal under specified conditions in licensed cockpits, while unauthorised cockfights are illegal; electronic or online e-sabong operations remain suspended in the Philippines. - Inquirer/ANN
