Davao City (13 July) -- For the first time in the history of the Kadayawan Festival , horse fight will no longer be held starting this August.

This was announced by Id Acaylar, Davao City tourism operations officer during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao.

Acaylar said the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry called a meeting among organizers of the festival and laid the issue about the clamors from non-government organizations complaining that the exhibition of horse fight is a manifestation of cruelty to animals.

But since the festival is a private-led undertaking, he said the city government is not taking a hand on it and the decision must come from the Kadayawan Foundation, Inc.

"So as not to encounter further problem in the future, we agreed not to include horse fight anymore during the festival ." he said.

He said that after the passage of the Animal Welfare Act, some Americans, Australians and other individuals are complaining why horse fight is being focused as one of the highlight s of the festival.

He said horse fight is part of the tradition of the Bagobos.

As this developed, Datu Max Gabao of the Clata-Bagobo has written President Gloria Macapagal to reconsider the decision of the non-exhibition of the horse fight.

He said so far the group has not yet received a response from the Office of the President on their request. (PIA/pdbanzon)