cockfights

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cockfights



A cockfight is a contest held in a ring called a cockpit between two gamecocks. Gamecocks are not typical farm chickens. The roosters are specially bred and trained for increased stamina and strength. The comb and wattle is cut off of a young gamecock because if left intact, it would be a disadvantage during a match. Sometimes they are given drugs to increase their stamina or thicken their blood, which increases their chances of winning. They possess an inherent aggression toward all males of the same species, but have to be trained to fight as they do. Cockfighting is considered a traditional sporting event by some, and an example of animal cruelty by others. Usually wagers are made on the outcome of the match, with the surviving or last-bird-standing being declared the winner.

In some regional variations, the birds are equipped with either gaffs or knives tied to the leg in the area where the bird's natural spur has been partially removed. A cockspur is a bracelet (often made of leather) with a curved, sharp spike which is attached to the leg of the bird. The spikes typically range in length from "short spurs" of just over an inch to "long spurs" almost two and one half inches long. In the highest levels of seventeenth century English cockfighting, the spikes could be made of silver. In other variations, the bird's natural spurs are left intact. Fighting done without gaffs or taping is called "naked heel" and can continue for many hours.








In the United States cockfighting is illegal in Washington, D.C. and all states but New Mexico and Louisiana. It is legal in the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and Guam. Thirty states and the District of Columbia have made cockfighting a felony and, as such, it is also illegal to possess roosters for fighting in these states. It is illegal in 40 states and D.C. to be a spectator at cockfights. On the Federal level, the Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to engage in interstate transportation of cocks with the intent to fight. Activists continue to lobby for a ban on the sport.


Spurs taped and tied onto cocksDespite the efforts of animal rights groups and law enforcement, cockfighting continues to thrive. Gambling is ever-present during cockfights, and many thousands of dollars can change hands during even the smallest, secret event (Staged often in orchards or on small private farms). For the most part, the U.S. Federal Government frowns on the sport not due to the animal rights issues, but due to the violence linked to the sport, as well as the inability to monitor and collect income taxes on the gambling. The betting is not institutionalized as in a casino, but is instead done through personal agreements made between random spectators.




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quote Child of Death and D

I suppose it's a tradition, though. But I personally would be thinking there are better ways to gamble. =\

quote Puerto Rico

metafor no matter how many times you win you will lose money. They usually bid around $100 to just fight. [other can bid over 1,000)... You need to pay atleast $5 dollars to enter. This roosters sometimes eat special food, eggs, dog food... They need a lot of vetamins and other kinds of thinks. Is a fact, you always lose money. Well, you can win money by winning $1,000 roosters.