Animal Kingdom Foundation, Incorporated or more commonly known in the Philippines' animal-welfare world as, simply, AKF Inc. is the local affiliate of the International Wildlife Coalition Trust (IWCT) based in the United Kingdom. AKF's mission is to support, protect and promote welfare and the rights of animals; to eliminate the practice of illegal slaughter of dogs for human consumption and to introduce legislations or amendments in the existing animal-welfare laws of the Philippines.

A non-stock, non-profit animal welfare organization, Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc., is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and duly enlisted with the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry, Animal Welfare Division. AKF has been in the forefront of animal-welfare advocacy in the country since 2002. Enforcing the Republic Act 8485-Animal Welfare Act of 1998-against illegal dog-traders is the main weapon utilized by AKF in its day to day operation against animal cruelty.


As saving distressed dogs in the Philippines go, AKF personnel risk life and limb catching dog-traders. Together with the Central Intelligence and Detection Group (CIDG), raids on establishments confirmed of trading dog-meat are conducted and interceptions of deliveries to slaughter houses, particularly in the northern region of the country, are cautiously carried-out. An initial investigation takes weeks or even months. AKF personnel may have to return several times to suspected areas and even pretend to be interested buyers to verify that these establishments or individuals are engaged in such illegal activity. With verified information, AKF coordinates with the national and local authorities, mostly the CIDG of the police force for the raids. The rescued animals are brought to the rescue center of AKF in Capas, Tarlac.

Snouts muzzled with rusty tin cans, front legs tied behind their backs, piled up in an enclosed vehicle, with gall bladders bursting due to heat, and dying along the way to the illegal slaughter houses scattered in the northern region, this is precisely the scenes during AKF rescue operations. It's a multi-million peso trade. The "lucky" ones who survive the ordeal are strangled or whacked on the heads like baseballs and cooked for dinner or as appetizer during drinking sessions.

There is no accurate data on how many dogs are slaughtered everyday because of man's greed and cruelty. But with AKF's passionate effort in exposing the illegal dog-traders, the cruelty practiced in this horrible trade is no longer tolerated. Presently, more than 80 individuals have been arrested and charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (RA 8485); almost 30 illegal slaughterhouses/eateries have been decommissioned and nearly 800 dogs rescued. These results, plus its significant impact in putting a dent in the multi-million peso illegal trade is a product of more than 35 operations in the Northern and Southern regions of the country.

In the aspect of animal-welfare dissemination and rabies prevention program, AKF conducts dog-vaccinations in critically considered areas.


Enumerating some of the continuing efforts of AKF Inc. in rescuing dogs from slaughter, one will have to appreciate the passion of its staff and personnel. Cases after cases in court against dog-traders have been filed by AKF after each raids and interceptions.

The foundation have delivered more than 800 live dogs to various pounds in the country and now keeps a number of rescued dogs, slowly growing after each successful operations, at Barangay Cub-Cub, Capas, Tarlac in AKF Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue Center.

Aside from these numerous raids and interception, vital coordination and link-ups with several agencies, private and government, have also played an important role in the foundation's advocacy.


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