Page 63

20028HS

Investigating Animal Cruelty 55 20-second rest period the cocks are pitted again. If one of the roosters ceases to attack, whether because of injury, exhaustion or lack of gameness, the opposing handler says, “count me.” The referee then begins a count of 10 seconds. If the cock does not attack within the 10-second period, the opposing rooster is given the count. Subsequent pittings are initiated at the “short score” lines, which are usually about two feet apart and increase the probability of attack. If the cock with the count against him attacks by pecking or spurring, even if it is not directed at the opponent, as in the case of a rooster who has been blinded, the referee calls, “Broke,” indicating the count has been broken. Unless a rooster tries to escape the pit, which is an automatic loss, a cockfight typically ends in one of three ways: 1. One of the cocks dies. 2. One of the handlers concedes the fight. 3. One cock fails to attack (quits) for three successive counts of 10 seconds and one count of 20 seconds. This count is a good example of variation in the rules: at some pits, a cock loses after only three 10-second counts. Investigative techniques Cockfighting has become a nationally organized activity supported by state or local gamefowl associations. Some of these groups request references for applicants and may request a home address and place of employment. Since cockfighters come from all walks of life (insurance salesmen, laborers, lawyers, politicians, etc.), groups can easily verify someone’s background. Local cockfighters are sometimes acquainted with local law enforcement personnel, since cockfighting is often considered a minor crime. In fact, several courts have ruled in cockfighting cases that the state’s anticruelty laws did not apply because chickens do not fit the definition of “animals” under the law. Possible sources of information • Gamefowl and cockfighting publications • Sites on the internet or other online services devoted to cockfighting • Manufacturers and suppliers of cockfighting equipment or paraphernalia • National, state or local gamefowl associations • Poultry shows and exhibits • Local humane society and animal control personnel • Informants • Drug dealers or users or persons arrested or convicted of related offenses • Gamblers or persons arrested or convicted of related offenses • Surveillance of observed gamefowl operations Possible violations of law • Cockfighting-specific offenses • State anticruelty statutes • Gambling • Racketeering or operating establishments for gaming purposes • Unreported income or tax evasion • Conspiracy • Narcotics and controlled substances • Illegal sales of alcoholic beverages • Contributing to the delinquency of a minor • Concealed weapons • Disorderly conduct • Animal Welfare Act or Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (federal) Possible means of infiltration • Cockfighter • Gambler • Gamefowl breeder • Supplier of training equipment or cockfighting paraphernalia • Poultry exhibitor • Drug dealer or user Search warrant When preparing a search warrant for evidence of cockfighting, the paragraph that follows can serve as a guide. Specialized cases


20028HS
To see the actual publication please follow the link above