FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party‑list Representative Brian Poe commended the successful joint operation that dismantled an alleged illegal horse fighting activity in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.
In a statement, Poe recognized the coordinated efforts of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, local police, and the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), which resulted in the rescue of seven horses and the disruption of the unlawful activity.
He stressed that the operation stands as a model of what can be achieved when government agencies and civil society work hand in hand to faithfully enforce the law.
Poe emphasized that horse fighting has no place in Filipino communities, noting that beyond the cruelty inflicted on animals, it is often linked to illegal gambling and other offenses that erode public order and good governance. He called for a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation to establish the full accountability of all those involved, while also reviewing how such activities manage to persist to plug any institutional gaps and prevent future violations.
As the principal author of House Bill No. 1746 or the proposed Revised Animal Welfare Act, Poe reiterated his commitment to advancing legislation that bolsters animal protection, improves enforcement procedures, fosters better inter-agency coordination, and gives authorities the tools to effectively stop, probe, and prosecute cases of animal cruelty. “Animal welfare is not merely an ethical concern — it is a matter of responsible governance, public accountability, and the rule of law,” he said, urging continued collective vigilance from all sectors to ensure cruelty against animals is never tolerated.
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