The Philippine Embassy has warned Filipinos in France that cockfighting, or “sabong,” is illegal in the country, following an alert from French authorities.

In an advisory issued Monday, Sept. 21, the embassy said French authorities had alerted it to gambling and cockfighting activities reportedly involving members of the Filipino community.

It said illegal cockfighting constitutes an act of “animal cruelty“ and is punishable in France by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to €45,000.

“The Philippine Embassy wishes to inform the Filipino community that it has been alerted by the French authorities on illegal gambling and cockfighting activities being conducted by Filipinos in France,“ the embassy said.

French authorities have also received complaints about disturbances and littering reportedly linked to such activities, according to the Philippine Embassy.

The embassy urged Filipinos in France to respect and comply with French laws, particularly those governing illegal gambling and animal cruelty.

“The Embassy further reminds Filipinos that living and working in France would entail respect for and observance of French laws,” it said.

“Let us maintain the good name and reputation of the Filipino community with our French hosts,” the embassy added.