Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action applauds the recent actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Cincinnati Port of Entry for intercepting a shipment containing illegal cockfighting paraphernalia. The equipment, 10 pairs of leather cockspur covers, and 10 cockfighting knife sheaths originated in Mexico and was destined for a residence in Corsica, Texas.
The package was labeled “20 articles for birds.” Cockfighting spurs and sheaths are used to cover the razor-sharp blades tied to the bird’s legs. During a cockfight, the birds are placed in a pen face-to-face and use these spurs to kill their opponent. Spurs are so dangerous that handlers are often slashed by their own bird. Cockfighters use these sheaths and coverings to protect themselves from injury. Illegal cockfighting paraphernalia seized by Cincinnati CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
“Illegal trafficking of fighting birds and fighting weapons is bound up with other serious border crimes, and cartels and other organized crime associations are at the heart of this trade. We commend the diligence and vigilance of the CBP officers who prevented these illegal items from entering our communities,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “When we interdict these crimes, we make our borders safer, and less crime ridden. We applaud CBP for upholding the law and sending the message that illegal trafficking of live animals and knives and gaffs will not be tolerated.”
The seized knife covers, and sheath are illegal under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Signed into law in 1966, the AWA is the only federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in exhibition. Also, this shipment violated Title 7 U.S. Code 2156 stating the buying, selling, delivering, or transporting of instruments for use in animal fighting ventures is prohibited.
Cockfighting is a barbaric and inhumane practice that is illegal in all 50 states and U.S. territories under federal law. It was made a felony offense in 2011 in Ohio. In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act to bar shipment of knives and gaffs specially designed for cockfighting. The seizure of these dangerous items underscores CBP’s commitment to enforcing these laws and protecting animal welfare.
“The same equipment that was seized by the CBP can be seen for sale at every cockfighter-backed event across the United States,” said Pacelle. “At state gamefowl breeders association meetings and exhibitions these illegal implements are commonly and openly sold to raise money to fund lobbying efforts by cockfighter front groups.”
Animal Wellness Action is seeking further strengthening of the federal law against animal fighting by backing the FIGHT Act, S. 1454, led by Senators John Kennedy, R-La., and Cory Booker, D-N.J. That legislation is backed by the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association and the Ohio Poultry Association, which is concerned about the spread of avian diseases by birds illegally imported into the U.S. and trafficked through the nation.
Animal Wellness Action remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat animal cruelty and urges continued vigilance against the illegal trafficking of animal fighting implements.