Claims that cockfighting is culturally based are pitted against animal advocates who want harsher punishment for violations. “There is a link between violence to animals and violence to humans.”Just moments before he was sentenced to 23 months in prison, Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick stood before the unsympathetic court and mumbled an apology for running an illegal dogfighting operation. The highly publicized Vick scandal shed an unflattering light on the use of animals—primarily dogs and roosters—as unwilling contestants in brutal competitions, often to death, and all for the purpose of human entertainment and gambling profits.
While some defend the “blood sport” as a ritual steeped in centuries of cultural tradition, public opinion has overwhelmingly condemned the proprietors and spectators of the industry—pushing it further underground.
In Hawai‘i, cockfighting has been recognized as an activity embedded in local culture, a tradition that has been upheld by residents and legislators alike. In March 2008, a group of state legislators submitted a request to the General Assembly of the United Nations to recognize and commemorate cockfighting as a global sport.
Despite such ardent claims of its traditional virtue, Hawai‘i’s cockfighting industry has yielded a forum for other illegal activities, including drug trafficking, distribution of firearms, violent altercations—even homicide. As recently as July, a Louisiana man was arrested at the Honolulu International Airport for possession of cockfighting weapons—a violation of federal law.
In an effort to end the practice of animal fighting across the nation, President Bush signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 to increase penalties under previous federal law, making it a felony to transport animals or fighting-related weapons across state or national borders for the purpose of operating or engaging in an animal fighting activity.
As a result, in August, the Humane Society of the United States reported dogfighting had been made a felony in all 50 states, and cockfighting a felony offense in 37 states—an indication that many believe the brutal nature of the activity outweighs any claim of sporting or cultural value.
In Hawai‘i, dogfighting is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine; cockfighting is a misdemeanor punishable by a $2,000 fine or up to one year of imprisonment. However, while animal advocates had hoped the legislation would serve as a deterrent to cockfighters, the industry continues to operate in the shadows, and attempts to prohibit these operations have not succeeded.
In March, Hawai‘i State Sen. Will Espero introduced a bill to make cockfighting a Class C Felony under the tenets of previous animal cruelty legislation, but the bill died in the Senate. Despite this failed effort, there are still many who believe the misdemeanor provisions for cockfighting have no teeth—and that the punishment should fit the crime.
Maui Humane Society Executive Director Jocelyn Bouchard said that the recent legislation is “a good thing,” but the misdemeanor classification for cockfighting “is frustrating.” Cockfighting was excluded in Hawai‘i’s animal fighting legislation, she said, “Because a contingent continues to come out and speak against it... it is an uphill battle.”
And according to Bouchard, this issue is not just about the animals—it is also about the people who are exposed to these events. “There is a link between violence to animals and violence to humans,” she said. “And young children witness these ‘events,’ which is just one of the reasons why we need to take this seriously.” Bouchard said she encourages the community to report these illegal activities, reminding residents that they can call anonymously, no questions asked.
But one cockfighting spectator from Ha‘iku, who asked to remain anonymous, said these activities are culturally based and should be exempt from law enforcement. “This is something my family has done for many, many years,” he said. “This is a part of who I am, and who we are as a culture, and it should be protected by law, not outlawed.”
But local animal advocates believe that the cultural argument is weak, and state legislators should make the issue a priority.
“I believe the Hawai‘i Legislature can help end the barbaric and inhumane practice of cockfighting by making the offense a felony instead of a misdemeanor,” said Leilani Farm Sanctuary Founder Laurelee Blanchard. “The activity is rampant here on Maui because the penalties aren’t harsh enough… of all the forms of animal abuse, cockfighting is among the cruelest.”
According to Blanchard, a typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than a half-hour. The birds, even those who do not die, suffer in cockfights as they cannot escape from the fight, regardless of how exhausted or injured they become.
“Cockfighters are inflicting torture on these animals,” she said. “In my opinion, they are a disgrace to their neighborhoods.”
In August, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i Edward H. Kubo Jr. announced the Animal Fighting Reward Program sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In exchange for information leading to the prosecution of groups or individuals involved in animal fighting operations, the HSUS will issue rewards up to $5,000.
For more information about the Animal Fighting Reward Program, contact the HSUS at (301) 258-1459. To report ongoing animal fighting operations, contact the Maui Humane Society at (808) 877-3680 or Maui Police Department at (808) 244-6400.