In a cockfight, two roosters fight each other to the death while people place bets. Cockfighters let the birds suffer untreated injuries or throw the birds away like trash afterwards. Besides being cruel, cockfighting often goes hand in hand with gambling, drug dealing, illegal gun sales and murder.
Left to themselves, roosters almost never hurt each other badly. In cockfights, on the other hand, the birds often wear razor-sharp blades on their legs and get injuries like punctured lungs, broken bones and pierced eyes—when they even survive.
Sadly, people often bring young children to cockfights. Seeing adults relish such brutality can teach kids to enjoy violence and think that animal suffering is okay.
Cockfighting happens in many kinds of neighborhoods and in states around the country. It is illegal in all states and a felony in 39 [PDF], which means that many states need to toughen up their laws.
National Animal Fighting Tip Line Launches
Following the nation's largest dogfighting raid, The HSUS launched a national animal fighting tip line.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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November 17, 2009
Alabama Cockfighting Poll
An overwhelming majority of Alabama voters want tougher penalties for cockfighting, with 82 percent in favor of making cockfighting a felony crime, according to a new survey by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.
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November 17, 2009
Kansas Cockfighting Raid
The Humane Society of the United States lent its expertise and support to local humane and law enforcement authorities in an important raid on an alleged cockfighting operation in Eudora, Kan. on Tuesday. Douglas County authorities arrested two people and seized 169 birds.
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September 28, 2009
Honoring Heroes for Animals
The annual Humane Law Enforcement Awards honored heroes for the animals.
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August 6, 2009
Cockfighting Death Knell
U.S. Postal Service announces its intent to stop mailing animial fighting mags, and "Feathered Warrior" goes under.
Our Victories
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November 10, 2009
Training Pit Bull Friends, Not Fighters
The HSUS holds free and accessible weekly pit bull training classes, which provide inspiring alternatives to dogfighting that showcase pit bulls as friends, not fighters.
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November 9, 2009
Amazon.com Timeline
Amazon.com and The HSUS settle lawsuit over animal fighting materials
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September 28, 2009
Honoring Heroes for Animals
The annual Humane Law Enforcement Awards honored heroes for the animals.
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August 26, 2009
Animal Fighting Rewards Program a Rousing Success
A check to a duo in Illinois marks the 50th reward The HSUS paid since revving up its animal fighting reward program.









