World | Philippines
Lawmaker pushes ban on slaughter of water buffaloes
A lawmaker is urging the reinstatement of an old law that prohibits the slaughter of water buffaloes to ensure that the animals would still be around to work on farms.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 23:49 September 8, 2008
Manila: A lawmaker is urging the reinstatement of an old law that prohibits the slaughter of water buffaloes to ensure that the animals would still be around to work on farms.
Salvador Escudero III of Sorsogon said that amid the uncertainty over the world fuel supply, a law prohibiting the slaughter of water buffaloes should be enforced again to ensure that the animals would still be available in large numbers to help farmers work the land.
High petrol prices
Escudero said the continuing increase of prices of gas and diesel no longer makes it feasible for small farmers to rely on mechanical farm tractors that consume petroleum products.
Escudero said unlike tractors, carabaos do not require fuel which is getting increasingly expensive and heavily susceptible to price fluctuations.
"Carabaos should be conserved for the benefit of the small farmers who rely on them for energy needs," Escudero said.
According to the lawmaker, during the 1980s then president Ferdinand Marcos enacted the order which banned the slaughter of carabaos below seven years of age.
Escudero, who served under Marcos as agriculture minister, said the presidential directive had been successful in ensuring that young, productive carabaos are kept alive to work on the farms.
"Utilising the carabao's energy in tilling the fields presents a practical alternative and a long term-solution. Clearly, current conditions are once again calling for the conservation of the Filipino farmer's beast of burden," Escudero said.
The lawmaker said the Marcos edict was lifted by President Gloria Arroyo 2001 when she "allowed slaughter of carabao of any age provided that humane slaughter is undertaken."
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