Cockfighting resurgence in AZ

Phoenix Police Department

They're bred for fighting, often kept in a semi-lucid state and while fighting, wear special razor blades tied to their ankles. After being placed in a small ring, a frenzied crowd watches them battle for survival. The last one standing, wins. 

All for the amusement of an uneducated, idiotic crowd in need of a blood match.

Police have recently seen a resurgence of cockfighting, which has been outlawed for over a decade in Arizona. The United States Humane Society has uncovered 28 “tour operations” that operate nationally since December. Whether this high number is a result of increased awareness on the part of police or due to a sudden rise in popularity remains unknown.

Contrary to popular belief, the spectators are not always immigrants. Apparently there is a new fan base consisting of non-immigrant whites who enjoy violence. (I say, let’s put the spectators into a ring together and leave the chickens out of it.)

Cockfighting (and dog fighting) are felonies in Arizona, one of the first states to make the sport illegal. Persons convicted of being involved in cockfighting operations or possessing cockfighting birds face penalties of up to two years in prison and $150,000 in fines. Being a spectator at a cockfight in Arizona is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $25,000.

If you hear of these matches any where in the US, please contact local officials immediately. Without the help of caring citizens, this type of event will never be eradicated. Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, and all infractions carry severe penalties.