OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An investigation has uncovered what it says is more evidence of Oklahoma’s connection to worldwide cockfighting rings.
Cockfighting is illegal, not just in Oklahoma but across the country.
However, this new report says law enforcement here often ignores it despite tips and evidence.
The report indicates that many roosters bred in Oklahoma are exported to engage in fighting abroad, linking these activities to broader issues such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and political corruption.
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“Oklahoma has had an extraordinary amount of illegal cockfighting,” Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action, said.
An investigation by Animal Wellness Action spanning multiple years has now released to the public.
It shows ties between Oklahoma, Texas, and cockfighting worldwide.
“It is dangerous,” said Veterinarian Thomas Pool. “They recently began recovering dozens of bodies from a lake in southern Manila, victims of these cockfighting operations.”
Investigators accuse a Dallas-area company, which calls itself a livestock shipping company, of trafficking roosters abroad.
The report also highlights the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission.
In the past, we have told you they supported bills to decriminalize cockfighting in Oklahoma.
In September, the Ethics Commission found evidence of campaign finance law violations, and ordered the group to shut down and pay a $10,000 fine.
Animal Wellness Action also says the commission illegally raised campaign funds by selling birds and using the money to influence state lawmakers.
“It is embarrassing, but it is true,” Pool, who is from Oklahoma, said.
Veterinarians warn that cockfighting can add to the bird flu epidemic as well.
Jim Keen, another Veterinarian, stated, “There is a connection between those involved in cockfighting and the commercial poultry industry, as many participants are employed on poultry farms, contributing to the spread of disease.”
They’re now calling on federal agencies to pass bipartisan legislation to give law enforcement more authority to prosecute animal-fighting crimes.
Pacelle emphasized the responsibility of the United States and individual states to enforce laws. “We are sounding the alarm that cockfighting brings a surge of criminal activity and avian diseases. There is no justification for the practice. It should not be tolerated as it constitutes a serious violent crime intertwined with other offenses. Arresting a cockfighter enhances community safety and agricultural security,” he said.
The report also notes that although Oklahoma has stringent penalties for cockfighting, including imprisonment, enforcement is often lax, with charges commonly reduced or dropped.
