Is Cockfighting Legal in Los Angeles?
Cockfighting, a cruel and inhumane blood sport, is illegal in Los Angeles and throughout the United States. It is a felony in California under Penal Code Section 597b. In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 2, which increased the penalties for animal fighting, including cockfighting. It is illegal to organize, attend, or participate in cockfighting in Los Angeles, and even possessing equipment used for the sport is a crime.
What is the Current State of Cockfighting in Los Angeles?
Despite being illegal, cockfighting remains an underground activity in Los Angeles, particularly in rural areas and some immigrant communities. Law enforcement agencies, animal control officers, and animal welfare organizations continue to work together to combat cockfighting, but the practice persists. In recent years, there have been several high-profile raids on cockfighting operations in the city, leading to arrests and animal seizures.
What are the Local Terms for Cockfighting in Los Angeles?
Those involved in cockfighting often use specific terminology to discuss the activity, both to communicate with each other and to avoid detection by law enforcement. Some common terms used in Los Angeles include:
- Derby: A series of cockfights held in a single day or over a weekend.
- Gamecock: A rooster bred and trained for cockfighting.
- Gaff: A sharp, curved metal spike attached to a rooster’s leg during a fight.
- Heel: The process of attaching a gaff or other weapon to a rooster’s leg.
- Pit: The enclosed area where the cockfight takes place.
How are Penalties and Enforcement Handled in Los Angeles?
Penalties for cockfighting in Los Angeles can be severe. Under California law, participating in a cockfight, owning or training a rooster for fighting, or allowing a cockfight to occur on one’s property are all felonies, punishable by:
- Up to three years in state prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
Attending a cockfight is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
Additionally, those convicted of cockfighting-related crimes may be subject to forfeiture of assets and may be prohibited from owning animals in the future.
What Government Laws and Resources Exist Regarding Cockfighting in Los Angeles?
Several government agencies and organizations work together to enforce laws against cockfighting and to provide resources for those who suspect or witness the activity. Some of these resources include:
- Los Angeles Animal Services: Provides information on animal-related laws and policies, including those related to cockfighting.
- ASPCA: Offers a national cruelty response system, which can be used to report suspected cockfighting activity.
- Humane Society of the United States: Provides information on animal fighting, including cockfighting, and resources for reporting suspected activity.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Offers an anonymous tip line for reporting illegal activity, including cockfighting.
By reporting suspected cockfighting activity and raising awareness about the cruelty of the sport, Los Angeles residents can help to protect animals and put an end to this inhumane practice.