Korean Air bans rooster shipments amid crackdown on illegal cockfighting trade
The airline industry in South Korea has come under scrutiny after Korean Air announced a ban on transporting roosters from the United States to the Philippines, a route long associated with the controversial cockfighting industry.
Animal welfare organizations have welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step in addressing the illegal or unethical transport of birds used in fighting events. Cockfighting, a practice still legal in parts of the Philippines, generates substantial revenue and is often linked by investigators to informal or illicit financial networks.
According to advocacy groups, large numbers of roosters bred in the United States are exported annually for use in these events. Some estimates suggest tens of thousands of birds are transported each year, often through complex international logistics chains involving air and ground transport.
Korean Air confirmed that it has suspended the shipment of roosters of all ages on routes between the United States and the Philippines. The airline stated that it remains committed to complying with international laws and ensuring the safe and legal transport of live animals.
Organizations such as Animal Wellness Action have described the airline as one of the largest carriers previously involved in such transport activities. The group claims that extensive investigations and dialogue with the airline contributed to the decision.
Meanwhile, animal rights advocates, including representatives of PETA in the Philippines, have praised the move and urged other airlines to adopt similar policies. They argue that restricting transport routes is an effective way to reduce the scale of the industry.
Cockfighting remains a legal and culturally embedded activity in parts of the Philippines, where it continues to attract significant public interest and financial investment. However, critics argue that the practice raises serious ethical concerns due to animal cruelty and its connection to organized betting systems.
The decision by Korean Air is being viewed as part of a broader global shift toward stricter oversight of animal transport and increasing pressure on industries linked to animal welfare issues.
