Korean Air Halts Rooster Shipments on U.S.–Philippines Flights

Overview

• Korean Air, which announced the policy Saturday, suspended transport of roosters of any age on routes between the United States and the Philippines.
• The airline said it will keep live-animal shipments within the law and will ensure safe handling in line with regulations.
• Animal Wellness Action and PETA praised the step, with AWA saying its months of pressure led to the change and labeling Korean Air the largest carrier moving fighting birds.
• Activists say U.S. breeders send dozens of thousands of roosters to the Philippines each year, and a Philippine breeder said the halt would have an enormous impact.
• Cockfighting is legal in the Philippines and in parts of Mexico, where birds fight with metal spurs and some U.S.-bred roosters also travel by land or air to Mexico.