Argentina Article 3.8 of Law 14.346 on the Ill-Treatment and Acts of Cruelty to Animals of 1954 explicitly prohibits 'carrying out public or private acts of animal fights, fights of bulls and heifers, or parodies [thereof], in which animals are killed, wounded or harassed.'
Australia Cockfighting, and the possession of cockfighting equipment, is illegal in Australia and punishable with prison time.
Belgium In Belgium, cockfights have been prohibited since 1867. In 1929 all organised fights between animals were banned. In 1986 and 1991, the animal welfare act was amended by also criminalising attendance of cockfights. Offenders risk six months imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 euros. Since the 1990s, several people have been prosecuted for cockfighting.
Brazil Cockfighting (
rinha de galos) was banned in 1934 with the help of President
Getúlio Vargas through Brazil's 1934 constitution, passed on 16 July. Based on the recognition of animal rights in the Constitution, a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling resulted in the ban of animal related activities that involve claimed "animal suffering such as cockfighting, and a tradition practiced in southern Brazil, known as 'Farra do Boi' (the Oxen Festival)", stating that "animals also have the right to legal protection against mistreatment and suffering".
Bulgaria Cockfighting is illegal in Bulgaria under the country’s animal protection and criminal legislation, which prohibits organizing or participating in animal fights and the infliction of unnecessary suffering on animals.
Canada Canada's Criminal Code includes animal cruelty legislation, which criminalize any kind of fighting or baiting of any animal. These laws have been amended and made more restrictive over time, and as of 2018 include bans on fighting, promoting, arranging and profiting from fights, as well as breeding, training and transporting of animals for the purpose of fights and keeping of arenas for the purpose of animal fights, for animals of any kind.
Chile Chilean Law no. 20.380 on Animal Protection of 25 August 2009 explicitly exempts various forms of 'animal sports' in Article 16: 'The norms of this law will not apply to sports in which animals participate, such as rodeo, cowfights, movement to the rein and equestrian sports, which will be governed by their respective regulations.' Although Law 20.380 does not explicitly prohibit cockfighting or other animal fighting, its performance constitutes animal abuse since the law's enactment in 2009. This was corroborated in 2011 under Decree 785 of the Ministry of Justice, which states that "...with the enactment of Law 20,380, published on October 3, 2009, on animal protection, cockfights or cockfights are absolutely prohibited, since they clearly constitute animal abuse".
Colombia In Colombia, cockfighting is a tradition, especially in the Caribbean region and in some areas of the Andean interior. Cockfights are held during the
Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata in
Valledupar. In August 2010, the Constitutional Court of Colombia rejected a lawsuit that sought to prohibit
bullfighting, and cockfighting with the argument that they constitute
animal abuse. In March 2019, the same court confirmed such rule, under the argument that cockfighting and bullfighting are traditions with cultural roots in some municipalities of the country. The
Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Gallos de Pelea organizes an international cockfighting championship. Cockfighting was immortalized in the novel
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, in episodes such as the events that led to the death of Prudencio Aguilar, or the fondness for it by José Arcadio Segundo. Cockfighting was one of the main subjects of '''', a TV adaptation of
Juan Rulfo's novel,
El gallo de oro, aired in Colombia and other countries in the region during the late 1990s.
Costa Rica Cockfights have been illegal in Costa Rica since 1922. The government deems the activity as animal cruelty, public disorder and a risk for public health and is routinely repressed by the State's National Secretary for Animal Welfare. The activity is also rejected by most of the population, as 88% of Costa Ricans dislike cockfights according to recent polls of the
National University. Since 2017, the activity is punishable with up to two years of prison.
Cuba In Cuba, cockfighting is legal and popular, although gambling on matches has been banned since the
1959 Revolution. The state has opened official arenas, locally known as "galleras", including a 1,000-seat venue in
Ciego de Ávila, but there are also banned underground cockfighting pits. In the first half of the 20th century, legality of cockfights suffered several ups and downs. In 1909, the then-Cuban president
José Miguel Gómez, with the intention of gaining followers, allowed cockfights once again, and then regulations were agreed for the fights. Up to the beginning of 1968, cockfights used to be held everywhere in the country, but with the purpose of stopping the bets, the arenas were closed and the fights forbidden by the authorities. In 1980, authorities legalized cockfights again and a state business organization was created with the participation of the private breeders, grouped in territories. Every year the state organization announces several national tournaments from January to April, makes trade shows and sells fighting cocks to clients from other Caribbean countries. There is at least one arena (
gallera) in every town, whereas in bigger cities larger
coliseos can be found. Important fights are broadcast on television and newspapers have dedicated pages to cockfights and the different
trabas, the local name for gamefowl breeding grounds. Those dedicated to the breeding and training of fighting cocks are called or . The cocks are often outfitted with special spurs made from various materials (ranging from plastic to metal or even
carey shell) and fights are typically to the death.
East Timor Cockfighting and cockfighting betting is legal on licensed venues.
France Holding cockfights is a crime in France, but there is an exemption under subparagraph 3 of article 521–1 of the
French penal code for cockfights and bullfights in locales where an uninterrupted tradition exists for them. Thus, cockfighting is allowed in the
Nord-Pas de Calais region, where it takes place in a small number of towns including
Raimbeaucourt,
La Bistade and other villages around
Lille. However, the construction of new cockfighting areas is prohibited, a law upheld by the
Constitutional Council of France in 2015. Cockfighting is also legal in some
French Overseas Territories.
Haiti Cockfighting is legal in Haiti. Nevins (2015) described it as 'the closest thing to a national sport in Haiti', being organised every Sunday morning in places across the country. Sharp spurs are attached to the roosters' feet to make them extra lethal, and the fight usually ends with the death of one of the animals.
Honduras In Honduras, under Article 11 of 'Decree no. 115-2015 ─ Animal Protection and Welfare Act' that went into effect in 2016, dog and cat fights and duck races are prohibited, while 'bullfighting shows and cockfights are part of the National Folklore and as such allowed'.
India The
Supreme Court of India has banned cockfighting as a violation of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but it remains popular, especially in the rural coast of
Andhra Pradesh, with large amount of betting involved, especially around the festival of
Sankranti.
Indonesia All forms of gambling, including the gambling within secular cockfighting, were made illegal in 1981 by the Indonesian government, while the religious aspects of cockfighting within Balinese Hinduism remain protected. However, secular cockfighting remains widely popular in Bali, despite its illegal status.
Iraq Cockfighting is illegal but widespread in Iraq. The attendees come to gamble or just for the entertainment. A rooster can cost up to $8,000, or ₹23,000.00. The most-prized birds are called Harati, which means that they are of Turkish or Indian origin, and have muscular legs and necks.
Japan Cockfighting was introduced to Japan from China in the early 8th century and rose to popularity in the
Kamakura period and the
Edo period. Cockfighting endured in some Japanese regions even after being banned in 1873,
Malaysia Only ritual cockfighting as done for
Gawai celebrations in the state of
Sarawak is allowed under strict regulations; licenses given however can be frozen or revoked at will by the Sarawakian government. Cockfighting venues are often raided by Sarawakian police from time to time. All other forms of animal fighting and baiting are prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act (2015).
Madagascar Betting on cock fights is a common and legal way of
gambling in Madagascar.
Mexico There are cockfight bans in the country's capital,
Mexico City, and in the states of
Sonora and
Coahuila since September 11, 2012, and in
Veracruz since November 6, 2018. Cockfighting is tolerated in the
Mexican states of
Michoacán,
Aguascalientes,
Jalisco, and
Sinaloa; mostly during regional fairs and other celebrations. Cockfights are performed in
palenques (pits). The two parties to the bird fights are traditionally distinguished by red and green, typically by wearing a
scarf or badge hanging on the belt. Cockfighting may be combined with a musical show. Fairs and regional festivals of the country's municipalities are held in venues called "palenques" of roosters. These consist of a ring made of wood whose center is full of compacted earth for the best 'performance' of the roosters. In the center, a box 4 meters per side and lines that cross from center to center each side are marked with
lime. Finally, the last square, measuring 40 cm on each side, is marked in the center of the arena, where the roosters are taken the third time they are released.
Netherlands In the Netherlands, organising or attending cockfights is illegal and punishable by up to three years imprisonment, or a fine of up to 20,500 euros.
New Zealand The act of cockfighting is illegal under the
Animal Welfare Act 1999, as is the possession, training and breeding of cocks for fighting.
Pakistan Cockfighting was a popular sport in rural Pakistan; however, "betting is illegal under the Prevention of Gambling Act 1977". Betting is illegal, but police often turn a blind eye towards it. In
Sindh, people are fond of keeping a fighting cock breed known as
Sindhi Aseel. These cocks are noted for being tall, heavy and good at fighting. Another popular breed is called
Mianwali Aseel. In Sindh, gamblers use
almonds and other enhancing medicines to feed the fighter cocks.
Panama Law 308 on the Protection of Animals was approved by the
National Assembly of Panama on 15 March 2012. Article 7 of the law states: 'Dog fights, animal races, bullfights – whether of the Spanish or Portuguese style – the breeding, entry, permanence and operation in the national territory of all kinds of circus or circus show that uses trained animals of any species, are prohibited.' However, horse racing and cockfighting were exempt from the ban.
Paraguay Organising fights between all animals, both in public and private, is prohibited in Paraguay under Law No. 4840 on Animal Protection and Welfare, promulgated on 28 January 2013. Specifically: • 'The use of animals in shows, fights, popular festivals and other activities that imply cruelty or mistreatment, that can cause death, suffering or make them the object of unnatural and unworthy treatments' is prohibited (Article 30). • 'Training domestic animals to carry out provoked fights, with the goal of holding a public or private show' is considered an 'act of mistreatment'. (Article 31) • 'The use of animals in shows, fights, popular festivals, and other activities that imply cruelty or mistreatment, which may cause death, suffering or make them subject to unnatural or humiliating treatment' is considered a 'very serious infraction' (Article 32), which are punishable by between 501 and 1500 minimum daily wages (
jornales mínimos, Article 39), and the perpetrator may be barred from 'acquiring or possessing other animals for a period that may be up to 10 years' (Article 38).
Peru According to the
Encyclopedia of Latino Culture, Peru "has probably the longest historical tradition" with cockfighting, with the practice possibly dating back to the 16th century.
Philippines man with a cockfighting rooster, from
Tipos del País (1841) by
Justiniano Asuncion There is no nationwide ban of cockfighting in the Philippines but since 1948, cockfighting is prohibited every
Rizal Day on December 30 where violators can be fined or imprisoned due to the Republic Act No. 229. It further is supplemented by Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Anti-Cockfighting Law of 1974 which allows cockfights only on Sundays, certain holidays, and on certain other occasions, and only at licensed cockpits. in 2014 On March 14, 2020, the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that cockfighting is temporarily banned in the Philippines due to the prohibition of mass gatherings amid the
coronavirus pandemic and
community quarantines across the Philippines.
Davao City Mayor
Sara Duterte banned cockfighting in
Davao City since April 16, 2020, also due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Philippines has deep cultural roots connected to cockfighting that goes back to ancient times. It can be said that the Filipinos brought a major wave of cockfighting over to Hawaii when the Filipinos first arrived, even though it was widely condemned by locals of the area. The popularity of cockfighting in the Philippines has extended into the digital space, with the advent of online sabong or e-sabong. This virtual iteration allows enthusiasts to participate in and bet on cockfights via internet streaming. The surge in online cockfighting has been significantly facilitated by the integration of modern technologies, particularly through online casino platforms that host these events. The Philippines is the only country in the world that accepts online betting on cockfighting. There are reports of revenues being in the billions of dollars. Some politicians have sought to ban apps like GCash, arguing that they have played a crucial role by offering a convenient and secure method for placing bets and managing transactions online.
Poland Cockfighting in Poland is banned. The law bans any animal cruelty in general, there are no specific laws for cockfighting. Likewise in many other European countries, this activity used to be popular up to the 18th century. In the
Silesia area it used to be popular longer, even in the 19th century. It was usually held on the Day of
Saint Gall (16 October). This activity was banned on most of the territory of Poland after the
Partitions of Poland and before the country regained its independence in 1918. In western areas that were held by Germany, it was banned in 1871 by § 360 p. 13 of the Penal Code of the German Reich. In eastern areas that were held by Russia, it was banned in 1903 by § 287 of the Penal Code of
Nikolay Stefanovich Tagantsev. After regaining independence these laws were still in power until new laws were passed. The first animal-cruelty law in independent Poland was passed in 1928 as a presidential decree and it was in power until 1997. It was added to the official Penalty Code in 1997 by § 35 points 1–2 in chapter 11. Currently, the penalty for the act is up to 3 years in prison or it might be up to 5 years if the cruelty is more drastic.
Romania Cockfights are illegal in Romania under article 25.3 lit. c) of the Law 205/2004, with punishments ranging from 2 to 7 years imprisonment.
Spain Cockfighting is banned in Spain except in two
Spanish regions: the
Canary Islands and
Andalusia. In Andalusia, however, the activity has virtually disappeared, surviving only within a program to maintain the fighting breed "combatiente español" coordinated by the
University of Córdoba. Spain's Animal Protection Law of 1991 recognizes an exception for these regions based on cultural heritage and a history of cockfighting in the region. Animal rights organizations have sought to ban the bloodsport nationwide, but have not been successful in advancing legislation through the
Spanish Parliament. A
reconstructed cockpit from Denbigh in North Wales may be found at
St Fagans National History Museum in
Cardiff and a reference exists in 1774 to a cockpit at
Stanecastle in Scotland. One of the few perfect examples of a cockpit which still exist today can be found on
Chislehurst Common, in southeast London. According to a 2017 report by the
RSPCA, cockfighting in England and Wales was at a five-year high.
United States , 1937 , cockfighting is illegal in all 50
U.S. states, the
District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. The last state to implement a
state law banning cockfighting was
Louisiana; the
Louisiana State Legislature voted to approve a ban in June 2007, which went into effect in August 2008. As of 2013: • Cockfighting is a
felony in 40 states and the District of Columbia. • The possession of birds for fighting is prohibited in 39 states and the District of Columbia. The cockfighting ban was further extended by federal law to include U.S. territories—American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—effective at the end of 2019, as signed into law in the
2018 farm bill by President
Donald Trump. In
Puerto Rico, cockfighting is popular and has been considered a "national sport" since at least the 1950s. According to a
National Park Service report, it generates about $100 million annually. There are some 200,000 fighting birds annually on the island. Puerto Rico's Cockfighting Commission regulates 87 clubs, but many non-government sanctioned "underground" cockfighting operations exist. On December 18, 2019, estimating that cockfighting employs 27,000 people and has a value to the economy of about $18 million, Puerto Rico passed a law attempting to keep the practice legal despite the imminent federal ban. In 2021, governor
Pedro Pierluisi announced the government would support a legal effort before the
U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the ban. The Supreme Court refused to hear the case,
Ortiz-Diaz v. United States, in October 2021, leaving the federal ban in place. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, a
federal law that made it a federal crime to transfer cockfighting implements across
state or national borders and increasing the penalty for violations of federal animal fighting laws to three years in prison, became law in 2007. It passed the
House of Representatives 368–39 and the
Senate by
unanimous consent and was signed into law by President
George W. Bush. The
Animal Welfare Act was amended again in 2008 when provisions were included in the
2008 Farm Bill (P.L. 110–246). These provisions tightened prohibitions on dog and other animal fighting activities, and increased penalties for violations of the act. Major law enforcement raids against cockfighting occurred in February 2014 in
New York State (when 3,000 birds were seized and nine men were charged with felony
animal-fighting in "Operation Angry Birds", the state's largest-ever cockfighting bust) and in May 2017 in California (when the
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department seized 7,000 cockfighting birds at a ranch in
Val Verde, California, one of the largest cockfighting busts in U.S. history).
Vietnam in the book
Mechanics and Crafts of the People of Annam. Cockfighting is popular in Vietnam, with a long history dating back to the
Lý dynasty. According to historical records, the soldiers of
Lý Thường Kiệt brought the practice back to Vietnam after conquering
Champa. During the feudal era, cockfighting was a popular form of entertainment for the emperor, officials, and the upper class. The emperors often held cockfights during festivals such as
Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese New Year) and
Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) to entertain their guests. While cockfighting was initially popular amongst ethnic minorities in rural and mountainous areas, it is no longer limited to any particular demographic, or geographic region. Though still popular amongst amateurs, with local tournaments organized across the country, a commercialized, cockfighting industry has emerged. Police have taken down large-scale cockfighting dens and rings through parts of the country, with arrests being made as well as seizures of roosters and money as evidence. Large amounts of money were being gambled in these rings. == Gallery ==