An Attempt to Weaken Oklahoma Anti‑Cockfighting Law

A June 11, 2024 NPR article discusses a legislative effort by the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission to weaken the state's anti-cockfighting law, a practice that's illegal in all 50 states. The Commission proposed amendments that would have lessened penalties for participating in cockfighting from a felony to a misdemeanor. For now, the proposed changes have gained little traction.

Strong laws against cockfighting are essential to serve as a deterrent to discourage individuals from engaging in this barbaric activity. Upholding strong legal protections for game fowl reflects societal values of compassion, respect for animals, and opposition to activities that inflict harm on birds like Rowdy.

Rowdy the rooster is still going strong! In 2018, United Poultry Concerns adopted 50 chickens rescued from a cockfighting operation in Virginia Beach. We expected all of them to be hens, but three turned out to be roosters. Rowdy is one of those wonderful roosters!

In “Chickens are Foragers, Not Fighters,” Karen Davis writes, “All varieties of domestic chickens, including the game fowl, are scientifically regarded as descendants of the Red Jungle Fowl (Fumihito, et al). The Red Jungle Fowl is a native of Southeast Asia. These birds have existed for tens of thousands of years in their natural habitat. Their contemporary wild relatives carry on the autonomous social organization and behavior of their ancestors.”

Chickens are Foragers, Not Fighters