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Animal cruelty
Cockfighting
Cockfighting is the illegal blood "sport" in which cockerels are forced to fight one another, usually for gambling. The birds are often fitted with sharp blades or spurs and suffer severe injuries and death.
About cockfighting
Birds are bred and conditioned for aggression and made to fight in a ring or "pit" while spectators bet on the outcome. Metal spurs or blades ("gaffs") are frequently attached to their legs to cause maximum injury.
Like dog fighting, it is secretive and organised, and is often connected to illegal gambling and other criminality.
Signs to look for
- Cockerels kept individually tethered or in rows of separate boxes/pens
- Sharpened metal spurs or blades ("gaffs"), and birds with cropped combs and wattles
- A pit or ring, blood-stained ground, or birds with serious injuries
- Groups gathering at unusual times at secluded premises, with money changing hands
The law
It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause, arrange, train an animal for, take part in, or be present at an animal fight, and to possess equipment for fighting or recordings of fights.
Penalties include imprisonment, unlimited fines and a ban on keeping animals.
How to report cockfighting
If you've witnessed cockfighting, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.