PHOENIX — Cockfighting has been against the law in Arizona for more than a decade. But that hasn't stopped fight organizers from conducting bloody battles between roosters armed with metal blades tied to an ankle.
Since December, four operations have been uncovered in Phoenix.
On Feb. 4, Phoenix police served a search warrant at a residence in south Phoenix and found 100 roosters that were being raised for cockfighting.
The birds were later put down by Arizona Humane Society staff.
John Goodwin, the Humane Society of the United States' manager of animal-fighting issues, said the spate of cockfights was the most he has seen in 12 years.
The poor economy, immigration trends and a growing police awareness of animal fighting are all possible factors leading to a spike in rooster fighting.
People are also reading…
Authorities do not believe the recent arrests point to a resurgence in cockfighting.
"There are only a small number of people who support this form of animal cruelty," Goodwin said.
Those convicted of involvement in cockfighting operations or possessing cockfighting birds face felony charges and penalties of up to two years in prison and $150,000 in fines.
The owner of a cockfighting operation discovered last year in Wittmann, northwest of Phoenix, told Maricopa County sheriff's deputies that he had charged spectators $10 admission to watch roosters fight. Sometimes, the man told deputies, he sold up to 100 tickets per event.
Spectators who get caught attending a cockfight in Arizona face a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $25,000.
All 50 states have now passed laws outlawing cockfighting, with New Mexico and Louisiana being the most recent.
Faculty concerned about changes to U of A admissions policy
