PR: Resolution to protect cockfighting passed

From Puerto Rico Daily Sun
By Raul Colon

The controversy of cockfighting continued to hang in the air at the Capitol Monday as the Senate approved a resolution to ensure that no attempt to ban the sport would be made this legislative term.

The measure, introduced by New Progressive Party Sen. Luis Muñiz, would honor the activity as part of Puerto Rican heritage.

The resolution grew out of a proposed Animal Welfare Law proposed by Sen. Melinda Romero, who on Monday repudiated the now passed resolution.

“I regret that a proposal of mine turned into a circus,” Romero said. “This controversy was generated by misinformation about my bill which never intended to prohibit cockfighting.”

Related, Cockfighting Cruelty

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Muñiz, an avid cockfighting enthusiast, called the measure a reaffirmation of the Puerto Rican heritage and as such it must be preserved.

“The sport of gentlemen, as it is called, cockfighting is part of our fabric as a nation. To try to ban it would be unwanted and, more importantly, against what we stand for as Puerto Ricans,” Muñiz said.

Cockfighting started in Puerto Rico in the 16th century. It became the island’s official sport in April 1770 when Spanish Gov. Miguel de Muesas institutionalized it.

When the United States invaded the island in 1898, one of the first things they did was to prohibit the practice.

In 1933, then provincial Gov. Robert Gore reinstated the practice.

According to the Sports and Recreational Department, which regulates cockfights, there are more than 100,000 fans of the combats in Puerto Rico. The activity generates more than $30 million in reported betting receipts, but experts believe that number is actually three times higher.

“I have my beliefs and it runs opposite of what this body just passed,” Romero said. “I will continue telling people that [cockfighting] promotes cruelty against animals.”

The legislator said that hearings on her signature project, the animal bill of rights, will commence in December and that she is hopeful that it will be approved during the first half of the next legislative session schedule to begin in January.

RESOURCES

Cockfighting State Laws

Cockfighting Cruelty

The Final Round

Cockfighting Reward Poster

politicians will try
whatever they can
but we will make
sure there is
a cockfighting ban!!!!

Karen Lyons Kalmenson