It is a cruel blood sport to put two roosters face to face in a small ring and make them fight to the death. This is also called cockfighting. But why is it prohibited in the United States to do this?
The Inherent Cruelty of Chicken Fighting
The main reason chicken fighting is illegal is because it is extremely cruel to the animals involved. Roosters used in organized cockfights have their natural fighting instincts enhanced through selective breeding, training, steroids, vitamins and more. They may undergo obstacle course training and practice fights leading up to the actual event.
The breeders will cut off the rooster’s wattles (the fleshy part under the beak) and earlobes so the opponent cannot tear them off during battle. Right before the fight the feathers on the bird’s lower body will be plucked out. The roosters often wear sharp gaffs or knives attached to their legs designed to inflict maximum damage.
When they get into the ring, the roosters viciously attack each other with their gaffs, which look like knives. They try to puncture lungs, pierce eyes, and break bones. The fights can last anywhere from seconds to fifteen minutes, ending when one bird is dead or badly hurt and can’t continue. Because of the huge amount of pain and death, chicken fighting is inherently cruel and inhumane.
The Criminal Elements Associated with Cockfighting
Another reason chicken fighting is completely outlawed is because the events are magnets for other criminal activity. Huge sums of money change hands through gambling on the fights, with bets ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Cockfighting also draws gang members and encourages illegal drug use and violence.
Deadly weapons are commonplace with all the cash present. To avoid detection, organizers regularly move the locations of fights. Law enforcement raids across the country have found cockfighting venues filled with many types of criminal elements. The party-like atmosphere actually makes it seem mainstream and family friendly.
The Broad Scope of Chicken Fighting Laws
Cockfighting is banned on both the federal and state levels. The federal Animal Welfare Act says that animal fight ads can’t be sent through the mail or in interstate commerce. This lets the federal government go after people who help national cockfighting networks.
Also, every state has laws that make chicken fighting a felony. Many things are against the law, such as having fighting birds, going to fights as a spectator, training animals to fight, setting up fights, betting on fights, making tools for cockfighting, and more. It is against the law to bring a child to a chicken fight.
Severe Penalties for Those Involved
The penalties for engaging in any aspect of chicken fighting are quite severe. Under federal law, the basic offense carries up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bringing a minor to a fight has a sentence of up to 3 years and a $250,000 fine. Even being a spectator is a federal misdemeanor with possible 1 year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.
At the state level, felony convictions can also lead to years behind bars and huge fines. Additionally, law enforcement can seize property, vehicles and animals connected to these crimes. The broad laws and harsh penalties demonstrate that chicken fighting will absolutely not be tolerated.
An Ineffective Deterrent Against Animal Cruelty
Although cockfighting has continued illegally, some argue the laws have been ineffective at actually deterring the cruel blood sport. The substantial gambling money involved entices people to take the risk of charges. And being such an underground activity, many fights evade detection entirely.
However, making cockfighting illegal does allow law enforcement to raid and shut down events when discovered. And the felony charges for being involved serve as punishment and remove these individuals from society. So while deterrence has been imperfect, the laws provide retribution and a statement that the inherent cruelty of forcing animals to viciously fight to the death has no place in modern society.
Preserving Public Morals and Safety
Ultimately, cockfighting is banned because it violates public morals and threatens public safety. Forcing animals into a cruel blood sport for entertainment and gambling is morally reprehensible to most of society. And the presence of weapons, gangs, drugs and violence puts communities at risk.
By taking a strong legal stance against chicken fighting from local to federal levels, the law sends a clear message that this activity will not be accepted or tolerated. Animal cruelty, gambling, violence, dangerous weapons, illegal drugs – these criminal elements have all coalesced around cockfighting ventures, necessitating tough legal prohibitions.
The Bottom Line
Chicken fighting is illegal across the United States due to the inherent animal cruelty involved, its connections to organized criminal activity and the threats posed to public morals and safety. By classifying it as a felony with harsh penalties, the law takes a hardline stance against this brutal blood sport. While deterrence has been imperfect, the broad bans allow law enforcement to crack down on cockfighting events and punish those involved as felons when discovered. Ultimately, the severe cruelty and violence of forcing animals to viciously fight to the death has no place in a civilized society.
Explore related story topics
Loading content … Loading indicator Loading indicator Loading indicator
Texans need truth. Help us report it.
Become a member. Join today.
Cockfighting in America | Full Segment | Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel | HBO
FAQ
Is chicken fighting illegal?
Gambling and Illegal Profits Chicken fighting has a significant betting component, with large sums of money being wagered on the outcome of fights. This illegal activity often fuels organized crime and money laundering. Public Health Risks.
Is chicken fighting a crime?
Chicken fighting is considered a cruel and inhumane practice. Birds are bred specifically for fighting, and many are injured or killed in the process. Even if they survive the fights, they may be subjected to poor living conditions, neglect, and abuse. Gambling and Illegal Profits.
Why is chicken fighting bad?
Chicken fighting goes against animal welfare and scientific principles. Breeding birds for fighting leads to inbreeding, which can result in genetic problems and reduced overall health. Additionally, it keeps violence and aggression going, which can have bad effects on animal behavior and welfare. Legislation and Enforcement.
Where did chicken fighting come from?
Chicken fighting has its roots in ancient times, with evidence of the practice dating back to ancient Rome and Greece. The first recorded chicken fight took place in the 5th century BC in Rome. Over the years, chicken fighting has become a popular way to pass the time, and raising and training chickens has become a profitable business.
What are the cockfighting laws around the world?
Cockfighting laws around the world. Article 3. 8 of Law 14. 346 on the Ill-Treatment and Acts of Cruelty to Animals of 1954 explicitly prohibits ‘carrying out public or private acts of animal fights, fights of bulls and heifers, or parodies [thereof], in which animals are killed, wounded or harassed. ‘.
Are cockfighting charges based on animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty charges are often also associated with cockfighting operations. Fighting roosters are bred for aggression and can suffer inhumane treatment, including poor living conditions or being injected with illegal performance-enhancing drugs. People often outfit birds with gaffs or steal blades to slash each other.
What states is cockfighting legal in?
Is Cock Fighting Illegal? Cockfighting is illegal in every state in the U. S. It is a felony in 39 states and can be a felony or a misdemeanor in California. It is also a federal crime, prosecuted under the United States Animal Welfare Act, 7 U. S. C.
What are the rules for the chicken fight?
The object of the game is to knock down or separate an opposing team through team effort. The person at the bottom is called the “vehicle,” and the person at the top is called the “attacker.” The person below can’t use their arms or hands to attack. Instead, they have to use their speed to hurt the other team.
What is the purpose of cockfighting?
Cockfighting is when two or more specially bred birds, known as gamecocks, are placed in an enclosed pit to fight for the primary purposes of gambling and entertainment. A typical cockfight usually results in the death of one or both birds.
What crime is cockfighting?
It is an offense under Penal Code 597b to organize, allow, or engage in cockfighting in California. Cockfighting constitutes forcing cocks to fight each other or other animals to entertain spectators, causing injury or death to the animals involved.