PAWS calls for better treatment of Intramuros kalesa horses

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Animal Welfare Society has launched a campaign to demand better care for kalesa horses from the Intramuros administration.

In a petition, PAWS is asking Bataris organization to the Intramuros Administration and ask it to require kalesa operators to strictly enforce Department of Tourism Rules and Regulations on Accreditation of kalesa horses that only a maximum number of two people, excluding the coachman, shall be allowed on the kalesa.

It also seeks to ensure that the eight-hour work rule is observed for the kalesa horse and that they are provided real rest periods by removing the coach from the horse’s body during breaks.

PAWS also seeks to require kalesa operators to show quarterly proof that the horses have been seen by equine veterinarians and farriers (those inspecting and repairing the shoes of the horse) and, in line with the Animal Welfare Act, the operators must be able to show accreditation with the Bureau of Animal Industry's - Animal Welfare Division or BAI-AWD)and  suspend the permits of those allowing horses to work under poor health conditions.

The animal advocate group cited a 15-year-old horse, Rambo, who was overworked and overloaded while showing tourists the best Philippine culture and heritage in Intramuros.

“Kalesa horses like Rambo live miserable lives. They are overloaded, overworked and they are made to work in poor health conditions without seeing an equine veterinarian for most of their working lives. Currently, six to eight people, excluding the cochero, are allowed to ride the kalesas in Intramuros. DOT rules and regulations clearly state that there should only be two passengers for calesas,” PAWS said.

Bataris is an organization funded by Greenpeace Southeast Asia, where groups are allowed to run and deliver campaigns. As of this post, 1,480 people have signed the online petition, which has a target of 2,000 signatures.

-- Rosette Adel