Thread: New Mexico cockfighters brace for ban

New Mexico cockfighters brace for ban
Staff and agencies
15 June, 2007


By TIM KORTE, Associated Press Writer Fri Jun 15, 3:37 AM ET

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Some cockfighters might take their roosters south of the border. Others are likely to go underground.

"People in this state have been fighting roosters for hundreds of years. Then all of a sudden to outlaw it, that‘s just not right," said Ronald Barron, president of the New Mexico Game Fowl Association.

Supporters of the legislation against cockfighting include animal-rights activists and New Mexico‘s three Roman Catholic bishops, who say cockfighting is cruel to the animals and should have been outlawed long ago.

During a cockfight, two roosters fitted with blades or gaffs on their legs are placed into a pit and fight until one is dead or badly wounded. Although gambling on the fights is illegal, spectators openly wager on the outcome.

"We are putting people on notice," Attorney General Gary King warned. "If you violate animal-protection laws, you will be prosecuted."

"Yep, it‘s going to happen, no doubt in my mind," he said. "It happens all throughout the United States. Why should it be any different in New Mexico?"

Tommy Booth, who has operated a popular cockfighting pit north of Hobbs since 1995, said the site has shut down and won‘t stage fights anymore.

"Mexico is really opening the door for us," Booth said.

http://www.onelocalnews.com/whiterockre ... &id=123169

To me nothing is more disgusting than making animals fight and die for your own amusement.
These "people" are sub-human.