WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to uphold a Caddo Parish ordinance banning the cruel bloodsport of cockfighting. The parish ordinance is being challenged by promoters and operators of cockfighting pits in Caddo Parish, who claim that local authorities lack the power to prohibit animal fighting.
In a brief filed today, attorneys for The HSUS submitted arguments supporting the position of the Sheriff of Caddo Parish, who is trying to enforce a local ordinance that bans cockfighting. Louisiana is one of only two states in the U.S. where cockfighting is not banned statewide, but a Caddo Parish ordinance has banned the practice since 1987. Several other local parishes have also enacted ordinances banning cockfighting.
"The Louisiana Constitution specifically grants local parishes the right to protect their citizens from cockfighting and any other practice that poses a threat to the heath, safety, and morals of the community," said Jonathan R. Lovvorn, vice president of animal protection litigation for The HSUS. "The plaintiffs are attempting to strip local authorities of their home rule authority, and to pave the way for the reintroduction of cockfighting in all of the Louisiana communities that have specifically outlawed this abhorrent practice."
Cockfighting is an arranged fighting match between two specially bred roosters often enhanced with steroids and other drugs who maim each other until one is declared the winner. The birds are often fitted with specially designed knives that are attached to their talons. Roosters—winners or losers—often die as a result of their injuries from the fight. Cockfighting is frequently associated with other crimes such as illicit gambling, drug trafficking and violence.
According to a 2004 poll conducted by Hill Research Consultants, 82 percent of Louisiana voters favor a ban on cockfighting, with 71 percent strongly in favor of it. Cockfighting is also opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Chicken Council, and more than 150 law enforcement organizations nationwide.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 8.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives across the country. On the web at hsus.org.
