Puerto Rico is the only U.S. territory that allows cockfighting, a cruel sport that pits two roosters against each other in a bloody fight to the death. Legal cockfights occur in government-owned clubs paid for by U.S. tax dollars.

Rather than create laws against cockfighting, Puerto Rican legislatures are fighting to keep the sport thriving. In 2010, they voted for a legislation to protect cockfights, claiming that they are an important part of Puerto Rican folklore and heritage.

Tradition is no excuse for cruelty toward animals. Birds involved in the fights endure brutal injuries and slow, painful deaths. Some have been known to throw up blood while fighting. Please tell Puerto Rican Legislators that you oppose the horrific practice of cockfighting.

To: Puerto Rican Legislators

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our disaproval of the legal cockfights that take place in Puerto Rico. We are especially disturbed that you support the practice and that the fights take place in government clubs supported by U.S. tax dollars.

We understand that you support cockfighting because it has a long tradition in your country. Having said that, we believe tradition is no excuse for cruelty toward animals. Birds involved in the fights endure brutal injuries and slow, painful deaths. Some have been known to throw up blood while fighting. We urge you to change your position on cockfighting in Puerto Rico.