Felonize Cockfighting in Alabama

Did you know Alabama is considered the “cockfighting capital” of the United States? The Humane Society of the United States ranks Alabama’s cockfighting law the weakest of all 50 continental states as well as the District of Columbia. In our state it is legal “to attend a cockfight, own fighting birds, and own cockfighting paraphernalia.”

read..Alabama cockfighitng law nation’s weakest

True, cockfighting is against the law, but, unlike other states, the maximum fine is a mere $50.

read…Anti cockfighting bill stalls in Legislature

This slap on the wrist has failed to deter those who raise and train the birds specifically for this savage sport as well as the criminal element that flocks into our state to profit greatly from cockfights.

Where is the outrage? Our legislature has chosen to allow a bill to die which would have prevented our state from continuing as a haven for the abuse of poor dumb animals. We must bring attention to this problem so our legislature will impose reasonable penalties on those who profit from this bloody barbaric practice. Imagine a poor rooster with knives strapped to his legs fighting another such creature to the bloody death for the entertainment of on lookers who bet on the atrocious event. Oh, it is a savage spectacle indeed, for the roosters have been “bred, trained, and are likely drugged to be aggressive fighters.”

read….Playing political chicken

We have outlawed the lottery in Alabama, yet we attract criminals to our state and allow thousands of dollars to exchange hands on this savage sport.

For those of you who don’t consider cruelty to animals and the attraction of criminals reasons to prohibit cockfighting, consider the health risks involved. Deadly diseases, including Asian flu and Exotic Newcastle Disease, have been associated with cockfighting.

read….AL Legislators need to pass bill

Most would consider it a given that our legislature would pass a bill to effectively prohibit cockfighting in Alabama, but think again. Those who vehemently oppose the bill include Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville who is chairman of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. He refused to even bring the bill up for a vote.

Anti cockfighting bill stalls in Legislature

Unless we the people get involved and demand that our representatives pass a bill that will make cockfighting a felony offense, the bill will die. Alabama will remain the “cockfighting capital’’ of the United States.