Stop Animal Cruelty-

81% Say Ban Cockfighting Now

By Elisabeth Jennings

Those of us who live here know that New Mexico and New Mexicans are unique. We distinguish ourselves from other states in so many ways: our stunning landscapes, the rich diversity of our citizens, our enviable climate. There’s so much to love about New Mexico, most of us can’t imagine living elsewhere. However, one aspect of New Mexico that makes most people shake their head in disbelief is our retention of a centuries-old practice called cockfighting. A great many New Mexicans are astonished when they learn that this archaic spectator event is still legal. People ask, in all sincerity, "You mean people still do that here?"

The late Cesar Chavez said that compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people: "Racism, economic deprival, dogfighting and cockfighting, bullfighting…..are all cut from the same fabric: violence…"

Although cockfighting has been practiced throughout the world for hundreds of years and is believed to have originated in either India or China, many societies have now banned it because it is cruel. In the United States, every state prohibits cockfighting except Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Most states banned cockfighting in the 1800’s. In New Mexico, 11 counties and at least 27 municipalities have banned cockfighting. Yet several attempts to ban cockfighting statewide have been unsuccessful.

Twenty years ago, caring New Mexicans fought a tough battle in the Legislature to ban dogfighting. At that time, New Mexico became a leader in the nation by making dogfighting a fourth-degree felony. Passing that law demonstrated that New Mexicans are passionate about protecting dogs from intentional harm. Interestingly, the same arguments about culture, freedom and economic benefit that are now used to defend cockfighting were used in 1981 to defend the now outlawed practice of dogfighting.

So why is cockfighting still legal, when it involves the same intentional harm to helpless animals, simply for fun and money? Why would the public and our Legislature still accept the gruesome event when it involves strapping razor-sharp knives and gaffs up to four inches long to the legs of roosters and pitting them against one another in a fight to the death? Are people concerned that children are often witness to such intentional cruelty to animals?

The fact is, a lot of people are troubled that cockfighting is not illegal in our state. A recent poll conducted by Research & Polling, Inc., of Albuquerque, revealed that 81% of New Mexicans support a ban on cockfighting. According to the poll, tremendous support for a ban cuts across all categories, including ethnicity, gender, geography and political affiliation. Of those surveyed:

• 84% of Anglos and 76% of Hispanics support a ban.

Some people claim that cockfighting is part of Hispanic culture and tradition. Why, then, do so many Hispanics support a ban? Senator Nancy Rodriguez this legislative session introduced and fought passionately for Senate Bill (SB) 276 to ban animal fighting. Senators Mary Jane Garcia, Carlos Cisneros, Roman Maes and Richard Martinez all enthusiastically supported that bill. None of them claims cockfighting as a part of his or her culture and heritage.

To hear cockfighting enthusiasts talk, nothing could be more wholesome than a good cockfight. Nothing could be better family entertainment than a good cockfight. Nothing could keep the kids off the streets and off drugs like a good cockfight. Those who have to live with cockfighting in their neighborhoods paint a much bleaker and more believable picture. Many are on record objecting to the cruelty to animals involved, the excessive traffic and noise, public intoxication, drinking and driving, illegal gambling, public urination and fighting among the spectators.

Yet legislative measures that aim to ban cockfighting still die at the state Capitol. As Senator Roman Maes, a Santa Fe Democrat, recently said: "There are not many supporters of cockfights in the state. But every time they lobby in Santa Fe, somehow they convince the whole Legislature it’s like going to see the Lobos." Despite support for the ban by state Attorney General Patricia Madrid, the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, the New Mexico Conference of Churches, the New Mexico District Attorneys Association, the New Mexico Animal Control Association and Land Commissioner Ray Powell, Jr., SB 276 still died in the Senate Public Affairs committee. Somehow, the will of 81percent of the state’s voters also failed to influence the majority of that committee.

Does New Mexico have other important issues to attend to beside cockfighting? Most certainly. But many people hope that lawmakers would respond favorably to the fact that 81percent of the public support a ban. What other issue would be so broadly supported by the public and yet continue to face such staunch opposition by some lawmakers? Given the overwhelming public support for a ban, as confirmed by the public opinion poll, this cruel activity should just be banned once and for all.

Eventually, New Mexico will join other states in banning the bloody "sport" of cockfighting. It’s not a question of if it will happen, but when. That’s because our society is beginning to distance itself from institutionalized violence. I look forward to the day when lawmakers respond to the will of the people and permanently ban cockfighting, so that intentionally hurting animals for fun will never be celebrated and sanctioned. A ban can still happen this year, because a bill to ban cockfighting has now been introduced in the House. New Mexicans should continue letting their legislators know that they oppose cockfighting and that they want a ban this year. Please call them at 505-986-4300 and ask them to support Representative Joe Thompson’s House Bill 922.

Elisabeth Jennings is Executive Director of Animal Protection of New Mexico, a statewide animal protection group.