Stand up and speak out against cockfighting

Editor: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson recently announced that he supports legislation to ban cockfighting throughout New Mexico. Caring Americans welcome this news and want Louisiana Gov.

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to follow suit and support legislation to ban cockfighting in the Pelican State.

Cockfighting is a barbaric bloodsport that has no place in a civilized society. Roosters raised for fighting are often tethered to plastic barrels, small wire cages, and other objects.

Many birds have their feathers plucked and their wattles and/or combs hacked off so that other roosters can’t do it in the fighting ring.

Because roosters do not have sweat glands, the loss of these body parts deprives them of the ability to cool themselves.

Most cockfighters cut off the birds’ spurs so that more deadly, artificial weapons can be strapped to their legs. The birds must duel to the death, and if the fight wanes, handlers will often pick the birds up and torment them to reignite the fighting frenzy.

Even the so-called “winners” suffer from broken wings and legs, punctured lungs, severed spinal cords, and gouged-out eyes.

Many Louisianans are ashamed that such abuse is legal in their state. It’s time for you to take action and urge your elected officials to stop cockfighting once and for all.

- Heather Moore, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Norfolk, Virginia