The Palmetto Family Council, based in Columbia, S.C., received praise from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for the release of a strong video (see left) criticizing cockfighting. The blood sport is widespread in South Carolina because of the weakness of the state's anti-cockfighting law and consists of roosters fighting to the death while spectators gamble on the outcomes.
Areas of West Virginia, near and far from Charleston, also practice the barbaric sport. According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia:
“While illegal, cockfighting is practiced in some parts of West Virginia. It is an ancient blood sport, similar to bullfighting and dogfighting in that it brings serious injury and often death to the animals involved….Motorists driving through rural West Virginia, especially in the south, sometimes see game fowl being raised within plain sight of the highway.
"Typically, the colorful roosters are tethered individually to their own small shelters, often horizontal barrels or A-frame coops, too aggressive to allow within reach of each other. Breeders make the distinction between raising the birds, which is legal, and fighting them, which is not. Nonetheless, cockfighting takes place on an organized basis in West Virginia….Newspaper accounts report occasional arrests, including a May 2003 raid in McDowell County in which dozens of people were charged….”
The Palmetto Family Council is tackling the issue head-on in a new video that features Dr. Oran Smith, the executive director of Palmetto Family, as well as Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's ethics and religious liberty commission. Citing scripture and biblical principles, Smith and Land expose the cruelty of cockfighting as well as the larger societal effects of the illegal blood sport.
"Religious leaders had a founding role in the humane movement in the 19th century, and today in the 21st century, they remind us of our solemn responsibilities to other creatures," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Their voices can help guide the nation toward better decision-making and behavior when it comes to our treatment of animals."
According to executive director of Palmetto Family Dr. Oran Smith:
"There is no question that the Palmetto State is now the go-to location for animal fighting on the Eastern Seaboard," said. "As a matter of state pride, we must strengthen our laws now."
"Christians should stand up and speak out against this barbaric practice which horrendously abuses God's creatures," said Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist convention's ethics and religious liberty commission.
Though outlawed in all 50 states, cockfighting remains a misdemeanor in 11, including South Carolina, Alabama and others. Cockfighting can be a lucrative crime, with gambling winnings offsetting even the maximum misdemeanor fines. The HSUS and the Palmetto Family Council are pursuing legislation to make cockfighting a felony in all 50 states to ensure the penalty for breaking the law is stronger than the potential gain.
The HSUS Faith Outreach program engages faith communities, leaders and institutions with animal protection issues, on the premise that religious values call upon us to act in a kind and merciful way towards all creatures. Find out more here.
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