Every so often a member of the Ecollo team comes across something that horrifies us to our very core. Such was the case when Leafy Green sent me a link to an article in the Daily Mail about horse-fighting tournaments, popular in the southern Philippines.

The facts are grim and the photographs, while not gory are still disturbing enough to turn the stomach. Death matches between horses have become increasingly popular in the country, where drunk spectators gamble and taunt the battered horses. An "in season" mare is tied to a stake in the center of the arena, causing the stallions, who would not normally fight each other, to attack their opponent. Torn ears, broken legs and bites are some of the common injuries seen as horses limp and stumble around the ring, often times bleeding profusely. If the horse suffers from grave injuries, the owner will kill them and sell their meat. It's no picnic for the mare either; often times she is struck by the fighting animals and mounted by the "winners," as many as 30 times per tournament.

These tournaments are illegal in the country, however corruption has led officials to turn a blind eye towards the activity and matches are frequently televised and sponsored by local businesses, with prize money provided. That's not even taking into account the significant amount of money made from gambling on the fights, in which participants will wage thousands of pounds.

"These tournaments are truly barbaric," says Andrew Plumbly of the welfare group Network for Animals, which has been campaigning to bring an end to the savage contests. "Our vets have seen horses being kicked in the head so hard that their eyes have popped out of their sockets. Other horses have had their ears ripped off. It's straight out of the Middle Ages. If people want to help stop these tournaments they should write to the embassy in London and tell them that they will not visit these islands," says Mr Plumbly. "The threat of a loss of tourism money will help bring this despicable blood sport to an end."

It is inhumane that there are people who actually take pleasure in watching animals fight and mutilate each other, however I suppose with stories such as Michael Vick's illegal dog-fighting ring this shouldn't come as such as shock. It does shock though: the images, the thought of unimaginable cruelty being considered a sport. We can only hope this will gain international attention and the resulting pressure will force authorities in the Philippines to do something about it.

» Daily Mail