COCKFIGHTING

Cockfighting is or has been the sport of the ancients, Presidents and the common man. Yes, even today it is still considered a sport. Though an illegal one. To train roosters for two years to be killers. To train them to hate other roosters. To alter their natural spurs to add on razor sharp metal ones. To generally permit two roosters to fight to the death.

 

Cockfighting is referred to as a blood sport because of the preceding.

 

Cockfighting had its beginnings in ancient times. Around 400-500 B.C. It was considered a sport. The Chinese, Persians and Greeks were the first to become involved. The rooster owners were sportsman and trainers. The spectators those who paid a price to watch the fight and gambled on its outcome.

 

Three of the greatest Presidents of the United States participated in and enjoyed the sport. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.

 

Down through the years however, cockfighting has become illegal. Very illegal. Today every state in the United States bars cockfighting. Persons participating are not looked upon favorably. Jail is a predictable punishment.

 

Two reasons have lead to cockfighting becoming illegal. Gambling and animal cruelty. No question each is a signmificangt part of the activity.

 

Bush 2 signed a federal law in 2007 barring cockfighting on the national level and imposing federal punishments to what has become less and less of a sport and more of a crime. The federal laws are generally joined with state ones in the prosecution of cockfighting cases. Per the federal statute, any cockfighting implements are confiscated. The roosters themselves are considered implements.

 

Why do I write concerning cockfighting at this time? Simply, the Florida keys have historically been a home to the sport. The fights generally are conducted off the beaten path. Back in the mangroves.

 

Every few years, a cockfighting arrest is made in the Florida Keys. One was made last week which gives rise to this column. The raid was very close to home. It took place on Rockland Key. Rockland Key sits between Big Coppitt and Key Haven. I live on Key Haven.

 

The cockfighting arrests were incidental to a drug raid. The authorities were making a drug raid. They happened upon cockfighting implements as part of the drug raid. Two hundred fifty chickens were confiscated, together with other cockfighting paraphenalia.

 

I can only speak based on my limited knowledge of cockfighting in the keys. This arrest may deter, but will not stop the illegal sport. There have too many other arrests over the years. The fights continue to prevail. Cockfighting as such and as a money maker is too ingrained in the lives of the locals. I suspect therefore that cockfighting will continue.

 

The only admonishment to perpetrators is don't get caught. Jail is an almost certainty.