Cockfighting is a sport in which two gamecocks (fighting roosters) battle each other to the death. The sport is illegal in the United States, in Canada, and in many other countries. It is sometimes carried on secretly. Cockfighting is a popular public sport in Spain, Latin America, and part of the Orient.
Gamecocks are specially bred to achieve physical power, speed of movement, courage, and the killer instinct. They usually are brightly colored and have long spurs on their legs. But breeders generally trim the spurs down, and attach artificial spurs to the gamecocks’ legs. The spurs are usually steel, brass, or bone. The birds use them to rip and tear at their opponents.
A cockfight takes place in an enclosed pit, usually outdoors. Spectators place bets on their favorite gamecocks. At the start of the fight, handlers hold their birds firmly and allow them to peck at each other. When the birds are angry, they are released and start to fight.
Cockfighting probably began in Asia thousands of years ago. The sport came to ancient Greece and Rome by way of India and China. It spread throughout Europe. During the 1600’s, the sport became popular in England, where the training and breeding of fighting cocks became an important industry.
