NEWS AND VIEWS – PHILIPPINES: it is reported that a police officer was killed by a fighting cockerel when the bird’s bladed spur struck his leg and he bled to death. The police officer, Lt Christian Bolok had picked up the bird in cockpit in San Jose, in the central province of Northern Samar. He was investigating an illegal betting event. Three people were arrested and two birds were seized. Cockfighting has been banned in the country because of the coronavirus.
Some detail
The officer’s femoral artery was cut. He was rushed to hospital and declared dead on arrival. Cockfighting during the pandemic in the Philippines is only allowed at certain times such as on Sundays in designated areas (cockpits) and legal holidays as well as during local fiestas which lasts a maximum three days.
The police chief said that the accident was unfortunate and “a piece of bad luck that I cannot explain”. It’s the first time that he has experienced the loss of a man due to a fighting cock’s spur. I guess that is very believable! It might be the first time in the history of humankind that a police officer has lost his life to a fighting cock. The BBC reports that seven fighting roosters were confiscated together with 550 Philippine pesos (US$11). Three other suspects involved in the cockfighting escaped without arrest. Cockfighting is popular in this country where large crowds attend and place bets on the outcome.
Some other countries
Cockfighting was banned in the UK in 1849, believe it or not, but it still happens because perhaps it is very hard to stop it although enforcement in the UK is poor for this sort of underground crime. In the USA as at 2013 (source verbatim – Wikipedia):
- Cockfighting is a felony in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
- The possession of birds for fighting is prohibited in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
- Being a spectator at a cockfight is prohibited in 43 states and the District of Columbia.
- The possession of cockfighting implements is prohibited in 15 states.
In Belgium cockfighting has been prohibited since 1867. In Australia it is illegal. Many other countries have made it an illegal activity as it is animal abuse or worse: animal cruelty.
