Welcome to March's edition of our Farm Animal Coalition (FAC) - Organization of the Month blog! This month, we're elated to cast a well-deserved spotlight on the exemplary work of Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF). Nestled within the heart of FAC, they embody the very essence of compassion and advocacy for farmed animals.
Prepare to embark on a journey brimming with inspiration as we delve into the myriad of initiatives undertaken by AKF. From innovative rescue missions to transformative advocacy campaigns, their tireless efforts resonate deeply within the fabric of animal welfare.
Who is Animal Kingdom Foundation?
Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) is an animal welfare NGO in the Philippines. The organization is dedicated to improving the well-being and lives of animals by eradicating factors that cause them suffering and distress. AKF is committed to fostering a symbiotic and harmonious coexistence of humans and animals.
What is AKF about?
AKF leads multiple campaigns to uplift animals’ living conditions. They were known for their significant success in campaigning to End the Dog Meat Trade in the Philippines. Moving forward, the organization has been actively lobbying for better animal welfare laws. On the ground, it operates a dog/cat rescue and rehabilitation center, promoting responsible pet ownership through education and providing accessible and affordable veterinary services. Aside from companion animals, AKF has been increasingly recognized for the farmed animal campaigns through their campaigns, “Cage-Free, Go Cruel-Free” for the egg-laying hens and “Better Fish, Tomorrow” for the fishes.
What makes AKF the “Organization of the month”?
Let's explore the remarkable initiatives that AKF has undertaken:
The Cage-Free, Go Cruel-Free – a campaign that encourages consumers to choose cage-free eggs, all the while pushing for the adoption of cage-free systems for farmers as opposed to intensive confinement of egg-laying hens within small cages. This campaign aims to improve the quality of life that egg-laying hens have throughout their laying period.
AKF initiated the first Cage-Free Hen Welfare Advocacy in the Philippines.
The Philippine National Standards: Code of Practice for Cage-Free Egg.
Production creation is also initiated by AKF together with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). This shall play a pivotal role as it becomes an essential guide for the construction of cage-free farms onwards as it sets the minimum requirements of a cage-free facility, proper management of the flock up to the harvesting of egg produce.
As an effort to involve educational institutions in their cage-free endeavors, “Word From Hens” has started. This made cage-free and hen-welfare training possible in partnership with universities all over the Philippines.
Numerous partnerships and collaborations with notable brands from the hotel and restaurant industry like Marriott Hotels to make their supply chain switch to outsourcing eggs from cage-free farms.
Involvement with the switch of farms to cage-free facilities. One of the Philippines’ leading in the poultry industry, Bounty Fresh, has been working closely with AKF in their cage-free journey. Bounty Fresh eventually became the first commercial farm to earn a Certified Cage-Free seal.
Institutionalizing the Certification guidelines for cage-free farms as they await public consultation approvals.
Chicken welfare, overall standards, and guidelines are likewise being finalized with AKF sitting as Co-Chair in the Technical Working Group along with Poultry Practitioners as members.
Better Fish, Tomorrow – an AKF’s campaign that aims to educate and aid the Philippine aquaculture industry to recognize and adopt fish welfare-conscious practices in the aquafarm industry. The campaign is brought about by the looming challenges in the aquaculture industry, affecting livelihood, human health, and the environment. In bringing awareness to fish welfare, the campaign hopes to attain and secure a future that fosters an environment where farmed fish's living conditions are better suited to their growth and development needs. In caring for the lives of the finned friends, Better Fish Tomorrow aims to promote healthier and better quality fish by upholding fish welfare in aquaculture processes.
This campaign started in 2021 and then produced a study to better understand the state of fish welfare in the Philippines.
AKF is currently pushing for fishes to be recognized as sentient beings with the Committee on Animal Welfare and the Bureau of Fisheries.
No to Flooding – another AKF’s campaign to raise awareness on the cruelty of livestock flooding, forcing cattle and carabaos to ingest water before weighing and selling in the regular weekly auction market. As the animals reach the slaughterhouses, they would collapse with blood and water oozing in all their body openings. In partnership with the National Meat Inspection Service, this practice has been stopped.
In conclusion, AKF's dedication to animal welfare through innovative campaigns and collaborative efforts is truly commendable. Their initiatives, from advocating for cage-free egg production to championing fish welfare and halting cruel practices, showcase their commitment to creating a more compassionate world for all beings. By supporting AKF's mission, FAC members contribute to building a future where animals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
