Is cockfighting legal in Jordan?
Cockfighting is illegal in Jordan. The practice is considered a form of animal cruelty and is prohibited under Jordanian law. As a signatory to the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, Jordan is committed to protecting the welfare of animals, including the prohibition of practices such as cockfighting.
What is the history and current practice of cockfighting in Jordan?
While there is limited information on the history of cockfighting in Jordan, it is believed to have been practiced in the region for centuries. The tradition was brought to the area by various cultures and empires that ruled the region, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Despite its historical roots, cockfighting is now considered a fringe and illegal activity in Jordan.
Today, cockfighting in Jordan is a clandestine activity, with underground matches organized by individuals who seek to evade the authorities. These events are often held in secret locations and are not widely publicized to avoid detection by law enforcement.
What is the local term for cockfighting in Jordan?
In Arabic, the term for cockfighting is مصارعة الديوك (Musar’at al Diyook), which translates to rooster fighting in English. In Jordan, the practice is often referred to using this Arabic term or its English equivalent.
What penalties and enforcement measures exist for cockfighting in Jordan?
Jordanian law prohibits animal cruelty, including cockfighting. Violators can face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both. The exact penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense and the discretion of the courts. Law enforcement agencies in Jordan are responsible for enforcing these laws and cracking down on illegal cockfighting events.
Some of the penalties and enforcement measures include:
- Fines ranging from 100 to 500 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $140 to $700 USD)
- Imprisonment for up to three months
- Confiscation and possible destruction of the birds involved in the illegal activity
- Closure of the venue where the cockfighting event took place
For more information on the laws and regulations related to animal welfare and cockfighting in Jordan, the following resources may be helpful:
- Animal Law Info – A comprehensive database of animal protection laws and resources from around the world, including Jordan.
- World Animal Protection – An international organization working to protect animals and promote animal welfare, including efforts to combat cockfighting.
- Ministry of Agriculture of Jordan – The official website of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, which oversees animal welfare and enforcement of related laws in the country.
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – A leading UK-based animal welfare organization that also provides resources and information on global animal welfare issues, including cockfighting.