MANILA, Philippines?The House of Representatives has agreed to hold in abeyance its approval of a second franchise for greyhound dog racing after animal protection groups prevailed upon the Senate to defer action on the first franchise.

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona said House members agreed to beat a retreat from his House Bill 4116, which grants a legislative franchise to the Southeast Asia Greyhound Racing Club Inc., even though the bill had been approved on second reading.

Madrona said the House was forced to make the move after seven senators vowed to block the introduction of greyhound racing in the country because it was ?immoral? and ?cruel to animals.?

They were prevailed upon to do so by animal rights groups Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Animal Kingdom Foundation, Feathered Friends, Compassion and Responsibility for Animals, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The Senate is currently deliberating the first legislative franchise to operate greyhound racing in Mandaue City for Fox New Millennium Amusement Club Inc. (FNMACI), which was approved as HB 5291 by the lower house in December.

Madrona said the House committee on franchises had conducted extensive hearings on the two greyhound racing franchises before they were approved.