Manila - A Filipino couple was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for producing videos featuring scantily clad girls killing animals, a court official said.
A regional trial court in the northern province of La Union also ordered Dorma and Vicente Ridon, both 54 years old, to pay fines of 9.4 million pesos (about $200 000) each, said court clerk Allen Sarmiento Raquipiso.
She said the defendants were convicted of human trafficking, cruelty to animals, child abuse and violating wildlife protection laws.
“The conviction can still be appealed, and even the prosecutors told the court they plan to appeal because there were no civil damages awarded,” Raquipiso told reporters by telephone.
The Ridons have been detained since July 2012, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).
“This case is a victory not just for Peta Asia but also for Philippine law enforcement and people around the world who despise cruelty to animals,” Peta Asia vice-president Jason Baker said.
“The Ridons' sentences are a warning to anyone involved in the vile 'crush' video industry: there are grave consequences to harming animals,” he said.
Peta said the couple produced videos showing extreme cruelty to animals, including a dog who was skinned alive, and other animals being set on fire.
“Sexual fetishists from the United States, France, Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Britain, and elsewhere purchased the videos on the internet,” it said. - Sapa-dpa