Korean Air bans roosters on US-Philippine routes amid cockfighting outcry

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SEOUL: Korean Air has officially suspended the transportation of roosters on its routes from the United States to the Philippines. The decision follows intense campaigning by animal rights advocates who identify the U.S. as a primary source of birds for the Philippines' massive cockfighting industry.

While the airline stated its commitment to the safe and lawful transport of live animals, it did not explicitly mention cockfighting in its announcement.

The ban is expected to have a ‘huge impact’ on local breeders who rely heavily on high-quality U.S. strains for their farms. Activists from groups like PETA and Animal Wellness Action have celebrated the move, claiming Korean Air was previously a major carrier for fighting birds.

In the Philippines, cockfighting is a significant industry where millions of dollars are wagered daily on birds armed with metal spurs. Advocates now hope other international airlines will follow suit to help curb the global trade of birds used for these lethal matches