Animal Kingdom Foundation
Animal Kingdom Foundation or simply AKF, is a non-profit animal welfare non-governmental organization based in the Philippines. Founded in 2002, it is committed to "improving the living and welfare conditions of animals", eliminating the cruel trade of dog meat for human consumption in the Philippines, the protection and promotion of animal welfare by advocating an improvement to their living conditions and by campaigning to eliminate causes that bring about pain and discomfort to the animals. History. Animal Kingdom Foundation was founded in 2002 by Charles Leslie Wartenberg, driven by his love for animals and after  learning about the horrors of the cruel dog meat trade in the Philippines and how common of a practice it is in the provinces.. Troubled by this cruel act, he arranged a team that would help save the helpless dogs from the slaughter and make the perpetrators liable from this cruelty. Due to its prevalence in the country, numerous raids and interceptions have been conducted in various locations saving the lives of thousands of dogs. AKF envisions a Philippine nation that is compassionate, responsible, respectful and loving towards animals as it spearheads a passionate and dedicated animal welfare campaigns resulting  to every individual recognizing animals as sentient beings while embracing the tenet that compassion towards every animal is our own sole responsibility. To provide shelter for the rescued dogs who were once bound for slaughter, AKF put up a rescue and rehabilitation center in Capas, Tarlac. Here, their medical needs are given and they are rehabilitated until they’re ready to be adopted by their new family. Today, AKF is one of the most respected animal welfare NGO in the country. Working and campaigning not only for the welfare and protection of companion animals but of farm animals as well . Apart from AKF's campaign for companion animals, the organization is also driven to improve the quality of life that egg-laying hens have throughout their laying period. This is carried out by encouraging the use of cage-free eggs in the consumers' meals and by educating egg farmers about its difference from the conventional battery cage egg farm setup used by most egg farmers. Campaigns and programs. Ending the dog meat trade. The cruel dog meat trade is one of the most serious animal welfare concerns in the Philippines. The availability and consumption of dog meat are widespread in  various parts of the country where the welfare concern lies in the large number of unfortunate dogs that are taken from the streets and being inhumanely slaughtered. AKF has organized rescues, conduct rehabilitation and provided rescued dogs shelters as soon as they are ready and have completely recovered. It has also pursued the prosecution of the dog meat traders and conducts its own surveillance, stake-outs, and raids in full coordination with the Philippine National Police in order to end this inhumane practice. Alongside the Philippine National Police, AKF has also partnered with the Bureau of Animal Industry's – Animal  Welfare Division, and National Meat Inspection Service in the implementation of the laws against animal cruelty, especially against the dog meat trade. Cage-Free, Go Cruel-Free! The Cage-free, Go Cruel-Free! is a campaign calling for the improvement of the egg-laying hens' living conditions as part of the response to the rising global awareness of consumers to the practices that take place in the farm before their food reaches the market. AKF claims that in a cage-free environment, the egg-laying hens are free to stretch their wings, run around, and exhibit their natural behaviors which  are all vital to them. Education, Adoption and Care. Gearing towards the organization's vision of a Philippine nation that is compassionate, responsible, respectful, and loving towards animals, AKF's PEP (Pet Education Program) Squad reaches out to different schools, barangays, and universities to educate the youth about responsible pet ownership, rabies and bite prevention, animal welfare, and more. AKF also puts its rescued animals up for adoption upon their full recovery and rehabilitation. These animals are also spayed or neutered with complete vaccines to prepare them for their new family. The adoptors undergo screening to ensure that the adopted  animal will be given proper care. Animal lovers who are willing to adopt but have no capacity to do so can choose to sponsor a rescued animal from AKF. Sponsoring a rescued dog will help raise funds for its food, medicine, and housing while they wait for their eventual adoption. The animals under the foundation's care are managed by various volunteer teams; Project SNAP. Animal Kingdom Foundation's Spay, Neuter and Adopt Program with veterinary services embodies the organization's mission in making veterinary care more accessible to the underprivileged pet owners. AKF believes that the Project SNAP offers  a solution to the dogs and cats’ overpopulation. This collaboration with other agencies and groups is held in various communities that needs animal care. CLAWS. AKF has worked, through its CLAWS team, with various government agencies, organizations, and stakeholders in crafting and amending laws which aim to safeguard the welfare of animals making for a more animal-friendly environment. Its CLAWS team also provides free legal assistance for animal-related cases, lobby for more comprehensive rules and laws for the animals, and give consultations on animal welfare concerns. Disaster Response. AKF has initiated quick responses during the Mayon and Taal  volcano eruption, flooding, typhoons, and others by providing veterinary attentions, feeding and rescue of the affected animals while also providing immediate shelter to gravely injured ones. Section::::"Voluntourist" program. Combining volunteering and sightseeing, "Voluntourism" according to the AKF is a new form of travel that allows voluntourists, to contribute to sustainable development while exploring new places and cultures. AKF says that adventure seekers find that doing volunteer work while on vacation is the best way to experience the best of both worlds. We Feed as One. We Feed as One was initiated after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Philippine government to  institute a lockdown. The We Feed As One initiative was created to find ways to go out and feed the strays, source out animal food, and help some struggling shelters. Facilities. AKF Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The AKF Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is located in Capas, Tarlac where it serves as a sanctuary for more than 100 rescued dogs who were once bound for slaughter. Here, they get to play around with other dogs and bond with humans as part of their rehabilitation. The AKF shelter is also home to other animals such as cats, goats, pigs, and cage-free  egg-laying hens. Clinic. Apart from tending to the needs of the organization's rescued dogs, AKF's low-cost clinic is also open to the public for veterinary services (e.g. veterinary consultation, hospitalization, grooming and hygience, and vaccine & immunization).