Humane Society wants cockfighting crackdown

With cockfighting becoming a growing concern for many in the region, authorities say they're stepping up prosecution of fight organizers, but animal rights activists say it isn't enough. Authorities

News 12 Staff

Jun 9, 2009, 8:34 PM

Updated 5,428 days ago

Share:

Humane Society wants cockfighting crackdown
With cockfighting becoming a growing concern for many in the region, authorities say they're stepping up prosecution of fight organizers, but animal rights activists say it isn't enough.
Authorities told News 12 The Bronx during the station's four-month investigation that fight organizers often glue razors on to the legs of roosters and pump them full of adrenaline to increase the violence.
The spectators, organizers and owners of cockfighting rings came to the attention of Brooklyn district attorney Charles Hynes not only for what they do, but what they could do in the future.
"It's not even a far leap, if you're abusing animals, to think you'll abuse people," Hynes says.
Hynes says he established a department working specifically to prosecute cockfighting crimes. But, the Humane Society says current New York state laws are deficient because only fight organizers can be charged. They say the spectators, who finance, cheer and provide the market, only receive a violation ticket.
There are two bills in the state Assembly that would work to crack down on cockfighting. The Humane Society also has a standing $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest of someone involved in cockfighting.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road