Cockfighting Finally Outlawed in New Mexico: a Feather in the Cap of Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Richardson?

Eighteen years after legislation was introduced to ban cockfighting in the state of New Mexico, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed a measure this week that outlaws cockfighting in the state. Now Louisiana is the only state in the United States that allows the blood sport that pits one rooster against the other.

The roosters used in cockfighting are known as gamecocks or cocks. The cocks are outfitted like gladiators with blades or gaffs fitted on their legs. They are placed into a cockpit and fight until one rooster is dead or badly wounded. Wagers are often placed on the outcome of the cockfight. These specially bred roosters are conditioned for strength and stamina. Cocks don't require special fight training. Instead, their inherent aggression toward all other cocks makes them fight.

USA Today reports that the president of the New Mexico Game Fowl Association is unhappy with the decision to outlaw cockfighting in the state. "I'm so upset that it's damn near ruining my life," said New Mexico Game Fowl Association President Ronald Barron. "I've got 38 years doing this. I don't know if I should hatch off some baby chicks right now. This isn't a business. It's my pleasure. It's my right, or rather it was my right."

NOLA, a Louisiana newspaper, reports that the New Mexico Game Fowl Association may take legal action--

A legal challenge was expected. Ronald Barron, president of the New Mexico Game Fowl Association, said one or more lawsuits could be filed within the next couple of weeks.

Per the NOLA news flash, some cockfighters are saying that a ban will drive them underground--

Cockfighters have said a ban will drive them underground. However, Richardson said he had a message for those planning to hold illegal cockfights: "Don't do it, because now we have a law and we're going to enforce it." The bill outlaws participation in cockfights, making it a petty misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor on second offense and a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison for a third or subsequent offense.

Apparently cockfight spectators cannot be charged.

Actress Ali MacGraw was present in Santa Fe as Governor Richardson signed the bill banning cockfighting. She said cockfighting amounts to "undue cruelty" and sets a bad example to children who watch it. "I am so glad that we can now put this aside and join the overwhelming multitude of human beings in the United States who think that cruelty to animals for recreational amusement is no longer OK," MacGraw said.

Wayne Pacelle, president of The Humane Society, said that the law's passage is ``a major moment in the effort to rid our nation of this barbaric and reprehensible practice.''

``New Mexico removed an ugly blemish today, and it is a proud moment for the state,'' Pacelle said.

According to USA Today, "Cockfighting fans have accused Richardson of taking a sudden interest in cockfighting now that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for president. They also defend cockfighting as a family activity and said opponents were meddling."

Bill Richardson was recently re-elected to a second term as Governor of New Mexico. The cockfighting issue was raised in the governor's first term, with no resulting ban. Richardson is currently trailing behind Edwards, Obama, Clinton, Biden, and Clark in the Democratic hopeful race per Rasmussen Reports. Richardson is currently ahead of Kucinich and Dodd in the Rasmussen poll.

Sources:

Gov. Bill Richardson signs bill outlawing cockfighting in New Mexico, USAToday, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-12-cockfighting-nm_N.htm

Cockfighting Ban Aprpoved in New Mexico, Federal News Radio, http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=80&sid=1086001

Governor signs bill outlawing cockfighting in New Mexico, NOLA, http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1173734978131200.xml&storylist=louisianaMexico

Governor signs bill outlawing cockfighting in New Mexico, The Free New Mexican, http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/58456.html

Election 2008: Democratic Candidates Running in 2008 Presidential Election, Rasmussen Reports, http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Political%20Tracking/Favorables/Favorables.htm