IDA Writing Alert: Governor will support a ban on cockfighting
December 28th, 2006 9:13 pm by Kelly Garbato———- Forwarded message ———-
From: In Defense of Animals – takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Dec 28, 2006 4:28 PM
Subject: Writing Alert: Governor will support a ban on cockfighting
The Santa Fe New Mexican published an article about New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s declaration that he would support legislation to make cockfighting illegal in that state. Cockfighting is currently legal in only two U.S. states: Louisiana and New Mexico. Please send a letter to the editor in support of the ban on cockfighting. Send letters via an online feedback form.
Read “Governor will support a ban on cockfighting” online.
Governor will support a ban on cockfighting
By BARRY MASSEY | Associated Press
December 27, 2006SANTA FE (AP) – Gov. Bill Richardson said Wednesday he will push during next year’s Legislature to ban cockfighting.
New Mexico and Louisiana are the only states that still allow cockfighting.
“I will support a ban on cockfighting. The time has come to make it happen. The people of New Mexico want it to happen,” Richardson said at a news conference. “Not only will I support a ban, but I will actively try to make it law.”
Proposals to ban cockfighting have failed repeatedly in the Legislature, including last year.
Supporters of cockfighting say it’s part of the state’s Hispanic culture and that fighting is inherent to roosters. Opponents contend it’s barbaric and inhumane to allow roosters to fight with knife-like, metal spurs.
In the past, Richardson has not taken sides in the cockfighting debate. Instead, he has said he did not want the issue to distract from other matters such as education, creating jobs and health care.
“Now that we have made progress in all those areas and because the people of New Mexico overwhelmingly want a ban, I believe as the governor I should throw my support behind a cockfighting ban,” said Richardson, who is considering a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
At least 13 counties and 29 municipalities in the state ban cockfighting but there is no state law that prohibits the activity.
Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of The Humane Society of the United States, said that with Richardson’s “active support and his legendary lobbying abilities, we hope 2007 will be the year that staged fights between animals conducted for entertainment and illegal gambling are finally outlawed in the state.”
The Legislature convenes Jan. 16 for a 60-day session.
Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Dona Ana, said she will introduce a measure to outlaw cockfighting and she welcomed Richardson’s support.
Elisabeth Jennings, executive director of Animal Protection Voters, said Richardson’s support should improve the chances that a cockfighting ban will be approved.
“I think legislators look to the governor for direction,” said Jennings. “Some legislators, knowing that he is supporting it, I can only guess that it will make a difference.”
Richardson declared his support for the cockfighting ban as he announced a package of animal protection proposals, including $3.6 million in his budget recommendations to the Legislature for a range of animal welfare programs. For example, Richardson proposed $2 million for animal shelter improvements statewide, $500,000 for expand programs to spay or neuter pets, $500,000 for facilities that care for neglected and unwanted horses and $100,000 for a pilot program for public schools to teach children how to care for and respect animals.
The governor also proposed creating an Animal Welfare Oversight Board and providing $150,000 for its operations, which would include establishing standards for animal shelters.
You can use the following points to help you in writing your letters:
* Birds raised for fighting are tormented to make them aggressive and pumped full of stimulants to increase endurance.
* Cockfights usually result in the death of one, if not both roosters. Handlers place two roosters in a pit. The roosters have knives or sharp steel projections called gaffs, attached to their legs. The birds peck and maim one another with their beaks and the weapons. The pit allows roosters no opportunity to escape.
* Cockfighting journals – such as The Gamecock, The Feather Warrior, and Grit & Steel – contain advertisements promoting stimulants, hormones, and blood-clotting drugs.
* Because adults bring children to fights as a form of cultural initiation, kids may come away from fights with insensitivity to violence against animals.
Be sure to include your full name, address, and phone number (for verification purposes–street names and phone numbers will not be published). Letters should be less than 200 words. Please do not forward or cross-post this message.
Thank you for writing and good luck!
Sincerely,
Kristie Phelps
Communications Director
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for In Defense of Animals Action Center.
In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.
In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 – P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388
email: ida [at] idausa.org
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