Cockfighting Facts

Since 1981, dogfighting has been punishable as a fourth degree felony in New Mexico. At that time New Mexico became a leader in the nation by passing that law. However cockfighting is still not banned statewide in New Mexico.

Cockfighting is a violent spectator event in which two roosters are placed into a pit to fight. Razor sharp steel blades or ice pick-like devices called gaffs are strapped to the birds’ legs and the birds are then placed in a pit to fight until one is unable to continue fighting or is killed.Cockfighting is currently illegal in all states in the U.S. except for New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Thirty of the 47 states made cockfighting illegal before 1900. Eighteen more states made it illegal before World War II.

Twenty states make it a felony to organize or participate in cockfighting and it is against the law to be a spectator in 33 states. Cockfighting is prohibited in eleven counties and at least 27 municipalities in New Mexico.

How New Mexico Voters Feel

A January 2001 survey of New Mexico voters by Research and Polling, Inc. revealed the following:

• The vast majority of registered New Mexico voters are philosophically opposed to cockfighting and would support a law banning the practice in New Mexico. In fact, 81% of registered voters say they would support a law banning cockfighting, while only 11% oppose such a law.
  
• Eighty-four percent of Anglo voters and 76% of Hispanic voters support a law banning cockfighting.
• Geographically across the state, voters support a ban on cockfighting as follows:
  - 77% on the east side
  - 83% in the south/southwest region
  - 80% in the northwest region
  - 80% in the north central region
  - 82% in the Albuquerque metro area
  
• Political party was not a determining factor in voters’ support for a ban, with 80% of Republicans, 83% of Democrats and 72% of Independents/Other supporting a ban on cockfighting.