Illegal cockfighting is going on here

DESPITE being illegal in Ireland, the blood sport of cockfighting still takes place in some parts of the country.

The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is calling on members of the public to report any information about cockfighting activities to the gardaí.

Similar to other blood sports like foxhunting, hare coursing and carted deerhunting (all of which are still legal here), the typical cockfight involves horrendous animal cruelty. Two cocks are thrown into an enclosed pit and encouraged to rip each other apart until one succumbs and dies.

This bloody combat is cheered on by spectators, many of whom will be gambling on the outcome.

Birds such as the Irish Game Cock and the Large Old English Game Cock are traditionally used since they are particularly territorial and will instinctively chase rivals away.

During the season (Easter Sunday until the end of July), two forms of cockfighting are carried out - ‘naked heel’ and ’spur fighting’. In naked heel, the birds’ natural spurs are sharpened to maximise the injury they can inflict. Spur fighting sees three-inch long steel spurs being attached to the sides of their legs. These are designed to cause even greater injuries and result in more savage battles. Cockfights can last up to 25 minutes or as long as the birds can withstand the injuries.

Philip Kiernan

Irish Council Against Blood Sports

PO Box 88

Mullingar

Co Westmeath

www.banbloodsports.com