More than 25 people had gathered together in
Chester, Pennsylvania. It wasn't for a fun, sweet, neighborly bonding experience. Instead, they were gathered around a circle - and
inside the circle, they had pitted birds against each other, which were supposed to gruesomely fight to the death. Already, three animals were dead.
Sign the petition to demand justice!Cockfighting is particularly vicious because the animals slowly tear each other apart, cut by cut, until they are severely wounded and near-death - or killed in the process. To force the birds to violently attack each other, handlers breed and train the animals beforehand exactly for this purpose, through brutal methods. It's considered a 'blood sport,' and often involves strapping knives or other sharp metal objects to the birds' legs.
Fights don't end until one bird is either dead or near-dead; usually the 'losing' bird is dumped in the trash afterwards, dead or alive.Animals are living beings. They do not exist for human entertainment or amusement. They feel pain, fear, confusion, and terror.
Traumatizing another living being just to place bets or have 'fun' watching them bleed is cruel and sadistic in the extreme.To be clear, cockfighting is illegal throughout the entire U.S. When authorities arrived, they found three dead roosters and 52 live chickens. They arrested the 25 people they found at the event, and have begun an investigation which is still ongoing. And while we're glad the Chester authorities intervened, we are also concerned for the future of these birds.
Authorities have only temporarily removed the chickens from their owners' possession, so that the animals can receive veterinary care. Officials haven't actually outright rescued and seized the animals yet, because they are waiting to receive a court decision or for the humans involved to voluntarily surrender these birds. But it's clear that these people - who intentionally put animals in deadly harm's way - should never, ever be trusted with animals again.
Sign the petition to demand that Pennsylvania authorities refuse to give these birds back to their owners! They must also ban all people involved in this cockfighting ring from ever owning, living with, or working with animals in the future! It's the only way to keep animals safe.