Friday, March 28, 2008

Stop The Fighting!


COCKFIGHTING:


Cockfighting is a centuries-old blood sport in which two or more specially bred birds, known as gamecocks, are placed in an enclosure to fight, for the primary purposes of gambling and entertainment. A cockfight usually results in the death of one of the birds. Sometimes it ends in the death of both. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour.

The birds, even those who do not die, suffer in cockfights. The birds cannot escape from the fight, regardless of how exhausted or injured they become. Common injuries include punctured lungs, broken bones, and pierced eyes. Such severe injuries occur because the birds' legs are usually fitted with razor-sharp steel blades or with gaffs, which resemble three-inch-long, curved ice picks. The birls are bred for maximum aggressiveness (and sometimes given steroids or other drugs to make them more successful fighters) are forced to fight until a winner is declared.


DOG FIGHTING


Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs (again specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight) are placed in a pit generally the size of a small arena enclosed by plywood walls to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling. Fights often average anywhere from an hour to sometimes two. Dogfights end when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue.

The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones.
Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements. Often, the owner of the losing dog will shoot or abandon the injured dog to die slowly from injuries. Yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state but sadly is still done.

1 comment:

Jennifer said...

If anyone were to call the police on dogfighting, or even cockfighting, would they face any criminal charges at all? Animal cruelty should enforce stricter laws, maybe it would prevent people from doing this sick thing.