Cockfighting, or “Sabong” has been referred to by many as a sport, a profession, a lifestyle even.  The locals call it a national pastime in the Philippines.  Sabong, which dates back to the pre-Spanish era, knows no class distinction, where rich and poor alike meet and enjoy the game.  Today, the activity is still overwhelmingly popular throughout the Philippines. It is as much a part of the culture as is eating pansit or playing pusoy dos.  It isn’t hard to guess that most westerners are appalled at the levels of violence and animal cruelty that go hand in hand with the sport of cockfighting. Cockfighting is considered a horrifying blood sport by animal welfare activists and others, due in some part to the physical pain the cocks inflict on each other. Advocates of the sport often list cultural and religious relevance as reasons for perpetuation of cockfighting as a sport.

Did you know that a rooster bred for Philippine cockfighting or “battle cock” is pampered more than a West Hollywood trophy wife?

Here’s the low down…..   

The United States is one of the largest suppliers of game fowls for the cockfighting industry. Many U.S. breeds such as Miner Blues, White Hackles and Roundheads are imported to the Philippines for their superior genetic characteristics. During the approximately 18 months it takes for a rooster to mature, it is fed the richest grains, vitamins (many are given Centrum Silver, a vitamin supplement marketed towards senior citizens) and minerals to ensure its speed, strength and ferocity in the arena. The roosters are shampooed, massaged and coddled in every way. They are revered as majestic animals and treasured by their owners. A fully-trained battle cock can be sold for more than $400 U.S. dollars, which equals a small fortune in the Philippines.

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In the United States cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and is a felony in 39.  Lousiana, the last state to ban cockfighting, passed this law on August 12, 2008.  It is legal in the United States Territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.