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.
“We actually hope that other airlines will follow suit … We commend Korean Air for this move.”
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.
Eugenio, the Filipino breeder, said the local industry depends on US strains.
“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.