Cracking Down on Illegal Cockfighting in Monterey Co., CA - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!
January 13, 2021

To animal welfare advocates for their insistence to bring to light the presence of illegal cockfighting in Monterey County, CA.

The vicious world of animal fighting is illegal in the United States, yet this sickening form of entertainment continues to thrive. Watching dogs, or roosters, fight until they are too injured, or perish, is appalling. The continuance of this so-called sport revolves around tradition and monetary gain. No regard is given to the animals and the extreme suffering they are forced to endure.

In 2020, according to several news articles, up to 3,000 roosters were rescued from illegal cockfighting operations in California from Los Angeles County, Alameda County, and Monterey County. Roosters are often used for cockfighting. They have a natural defense in the form of spurs that protrude from each ankle. Sometimes sharp, knife-like objects, called gaffs, are fastened to each ankle to intensify the damage inflicted during organized cockfights. The roosters may also be given drugs to increase their survival while fighting in cockpits with their beaks and spurs or gaffs.

In Monterey County, measures were enacted in 2014 to keep these operations from forming by passing a Rooster Ordinance. This ordinance required anyone who had more than five roosters to apply for a permit or exemption. Adequate human resources are essential to enforcing any law. In light of the lack of enforcement seen by animal welfare advocates in their county, they took legal action with positive results. A special task force was formed, and hopefully, through their collective efforts, roosters will be spared having to fight for their lives for human entertainment.

Take Action: If you suspect animal fighting is happening in your area, please contact your local law enforcement or animal control. Learn more about animal fighting by downloading our free brochure.