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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December 15, 2009
Cockfighting Raid: Cold, Muddy, and Proud
A first-hand account by HSUS staffer Ashley Mauceri of an HSUS raid on an illegal game bird breeder.
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December 1, 2009
The HSUS Praises Ohio House for Passing Felony Cockfighting Bill
John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The HSUS, issued a statement in response to news that the Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill to make cockfighting a felony.
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November 24, 2009
Kansas Cockfighting Busts
The HSUS assisted the Sherman County and the Douglas County Sheriffs' Offices in raids on alleged cockfighting operations.
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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.
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.









