Network for Animals Exposes Brutal Philippines Dog Meat Trade at World Travel Market Ministerial Dinner

LONDON, November 9, 2010 - WHAT: Government tourism ministers from around the world, including UK
tourism minister John Penrose MP, will be greeted by giant graphic images of
the Philippines dog trade projected outside when they arrive at St Paul's
Cathedral for the World Travel Market Ministerial Dinner tonight. The
projections are part of a campaign by Network for Animals to compel the
Philippines government to enforce their anti dog meat trade laws.

WHEN: Tuesday, 9 November 2010. 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

WHERE: St Paul's Cathedral, Saint Paul's Churchyard

Background: The World Travel Market and associated events are a key venue
for Philippines tourism promotion. It is estimated that more than 100,000 UK
visitors may travel to the Philippines in 2010.

"Despite decades of pressure, the Philippines authorities are failing to
enforce the law and stop the cruel and illegal dog meat trade," said Andrew
Plumbly, Executive Director of Network for Animals. "Network for Animals is
calling on British people and businesses to think twice before supporting
tourism in the Philippines until the brutal dog meat trade is stopped."

Dog meat eating was banned nationwide in the Philippines in 1998 and
recent legislation has increased penalties for convicted dog meat traders.
Despite the strong laws, lack of enforcement has allowed the commercial dog
meat trade to proliferate, with approximately half a million dogs slaughtered
every year under inhumane circumstances.

Cruelty is endemic in the dog meat industry. Captured dogs, many of them
stolen pets, have their muzzles bound with nylon string and their front legs
forced behind their backs and tied. Dogs are left in this condition,
sometimes for days, in extreme heat without food or water.

During transport, approximately 100 dogs will be forced into a cage the
size of a double door fridge. Overcrowding often results in 90% of the dogs
suffocating before reaching backyard slaughterhouses, where the survivors
have their throats cut while conscious.

NFA has campaigned for several years on the dog meat issue in an effort
to create strong legislation in the Philippines that is effectively enforced.
Recent pressure from NFA brought about the tabling of an Early Day Motion
(EDM #774) that was signed by 250 UK MPs urging the UK government to press
the Philippines government to enforce their anti dog meat laws.

CONTACT: Andrew Plumbly: +44(0)787-951-6589 or andrew at networkforanimals.org