Cockfighting lives on in Mexico
In parts of Mexico, cockfighting is considered a deeply rooted tradition, dating back to the 18th century with its introduction by the Spanish. But there are growing public voices calling for it to be outlawed in the country.
According to its critics, cockfighting inflicts unnecessary suffering on roosters, many of whom are bred to fight to the death.
But for those Mexicans who make a living from cockfighting, say it is essential to keeping food on their tables. It is also a way of keeping up family traditions that go back centuries.
Efforts to declare cockfighting in Mexico an “intangible cultural heritage” were struck down by the country’s Supreme Court after it ruled the move was unconstitutional.
While the ruling does not prohibit the activity, it does open the way for cockfighting to be challenged. In May, Mexico City banned cockfighting.
Reuters visited a cockfighting ring in the State of Mexico, which borders the capital. Donato Zamora runs the ‘palenque’ cockfighting ring in the town of La Libertad, and he says critics of cockfighting are misguided.
Zamora defends cockfighting and says it is part of his ancestral tradition. He adds that any ban will only force it underground.
Toby Foundation founder and animal rights activist Samia Klimos defends a blanket ban on all cockfighting in Mexico and adds no one should be making money out of the pain and suffering of animals.
