DoA urges reporting of illegal cockfights
Roosters thought to have been used in cock-fighting that were recovered by the authorities
(CNS): The Department of Agriculture is urging the community to continue reporting illegal cockfighting as it continues its efforts, in partnership with the police and customs, to investigate complaints about the cruel sport. While legal in some countries, cockfighting is banned here under the Animal Law. DoA officials said they were gravely concerned about the incidences that have been reported and it was taking a zero-tolerance approach. These events are not only risky for the animals but with the fights often including transactions of large sums of cash by owners and spectators, there is an increased risk of violent confrontations, the DoA said in a release.
Agriculture Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said she backed the DoA efforts. “”In addition to causing cruelty to animals, cockfighting is often linked to other crimes, such as illegal gambling, robbery, drug activity or worse. It saddens me to know children are often present at these events and exposure to such violence can desensitise them to others’ pain and decrease their sense of empathy, an invaluable life trait for success.”
To date, a number of birds specifically bred for cockfighting have been seized along with related paraphernalia, and at least two people have been arrested, but there have been no charges brought against any of those suspected to be involved.
Cockfighting is particularly nasty as it usually involves large metal spurs or grafts attached to the legs of roosters, which are forced to fight each other until death or serious injury is inflicted. If the bird survives, it usually suffers serious injuries to the eyes, lungs and other parts of the body.
The DoA stressed that cockfighting or its management on any premises used or monies associated with such activity are punishable by law, as advised under Section 71 of the Animal Law (2015 Revision).
It is the DoA’s responsibility to manage animal cruelty complaints and the public is asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to 911, Cayman Crime Stoppers Tip Line Now: 800-TIPS (8477), the DoA Animal Welfare Officer at 947-3090 or the RCIPS at 949-4222.
Category: Crime
This is a full time job. I see this happening all the time, especially when i am driving through South Sound. DoA need a permanent presents in SS to stop these roosters fighting!
No charges for those already found involved, says it all. Can’t charge our own people for this, that wouldn’t be right would it? What a pile of rooster manure. ‘Nuf said.
I see in Jamaica’s Gleaner they have issues with dangerous stray dogs like pitbulls –
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20180820/leash-stray-dogs-veterinary-body-decries-delay-establishing-population
Dog fights is one of the cruelties that is practiced. I just hope we have more of a control over our dog owners.
Is it animal abuse to chop an iguana with a machete (in front of your children) for eating your fruits?
Just asking
What is animal abuse?
So let me get this straight….they find a number of roosters in someone’s possession, confirm they are in pristine health with no signs of cruelty or damage from fighting but then DESTROY THEM ALL and then JOCC talks about animal cruelty?
I actually went back to re-read the article wondering how I missed that part.
Where does it say this?
Bryan , don’t take money , they are taking more than money from society and the Islands . You and the Courts show them what zero tolerance means .
11:01 who are you speaking to or about ? Where dos bryan come into this ?
How do you know there were no signs of damage or cruelty – but did you not also see the comment about “related paraphenalia”? I am guessing that if you have a large number of penned up roosters – who keeps a large number of roosters rather than hens? – and fighting spurs etc, chances are you just might be engaged in cock fighting. And what do you suggest they do with fighting cocks – release them into the wild?
Never mind about cockfighting…DOA can’t fine people who abuse dogs or horses.
DOA , please don’t charge the roosters, the owners are who you have to make a bright shining example of , and tell them this is zero tolerance .
they don’t charge the roosters they find, they kill them
Hey Brian, why don’t we tackle all the animal abuse issues, like a normal country?
nothing will be done except maybe a $500 fine…..classic caymankind nonsense.
This is a cultural issue – if you want to stop cockfighting all you need to do is identify the ethnic groups involved and target them. It’s not rocket science.
free tip…they won’t be from europe, usa or canada.
nope, they use bulls, or kill large animals or become a dentist and go to Africa for the big game…
Anonymous 9:16 pm, are you serious, that people from europe, usa or canada are not involved in this sort of thing? right, protect your own.
“Cock-fighting in 2014 Britain: Police raid suspected ring at Kent farm where 170 birds were being kept in appalling conditions” – Ahh, how fast we forget our history.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2539265/Police-raid-suspected-COCK-FIGHTING-ring-farm-Kent-170-birds-kept-appalling-conditions.html
Mike Vick?
Like turtle poaching?
9:16 Check out – https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/841243/cockfighting-UK-popular-Pakistani-community-RSPCA-illegal-fights