By Sen. Mary Jane Garcia
When you think of New Mexican culture, what leaps to mind? The ancient pueblos? The world-famous balloon fiesta? The diverse peoples, languages and religions? Or, are our most vivid cultural images those of illegal gambling and an act of two animals mutilating each other to death?
The cockfighting lobby would have us believe that the act of cockfighting is a treasured part of Hispanic culture. I am offended by this argument, which characterizes my culture as barbaric.
I am a rural Hispanic and an anthropologist, and this is not my people’s culture. I am thrilled to be able to say that last week the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops stated its support for a ban, saying, “The bishops recognize that cockfighting is not a cultural treasure. Cockfighting promotes violence.” The bishops are the spiritual voice of 600,000 New Mexicans, many of them Hispanic. Polls show 76 percent of Hispanics want a ban.
One culture that is indisputably at cockfighting’s core is a culture of gambling. There is serious money to be made: Depending on the size, entrance fee and number of roosters, individuals have the potential to win as much as $100,000 at cockfighting derbies.
Evidence of this has been documented by undercover investigations and law enforcement raids. Weapons and drugs have also been documented, making the gatherings public safety hazards. Children are often present at these events, and they get to witness all of the “culture” that goes along with the activity.
Public health is another major issue. Illegal transportation of roosters has already led to us playing host to an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease, which could devastate the poultry industry. What unimaginable devastation could be caused by an outbreak of avian flu?
The issue of animal cruelty is a given. There is a misperception that these birds fight like this naturally. Roosters do exhibit territorialism and dominant behavior, but this seldom results in serious injury. There is nothing “natural” about pumping them full of drugs, attaching 3-inch blades to their legs, and forcing them to keep fighting until one dies, or has its lungs punctured, its bones broken, its eyes pierced. Cockfighting is intentional cruelty inflicted on animals by humans.
Polls show that an overwhelming 81 percent of New Mexicans support a ban on cockfighting.
Cockfighting is pure brutality, and it breeds a culture of violence. There have been many studies that show a direct link between cruelty to animals and violence against humans.
Recently, I have experienced firsthand the culture of violence propagated by certain individuals who oppose the ban on cockfighting. Because I have led the effort to do away with this vile act, I have been the target of threatening messages from cockfighters who intend to “dig my grave.” They made the same threat against two other women.
But I will not let them intimidate me out of doing my job as a senator – believe me, I’m not chicken. The only “grave” the vast majority of New Mexicans want to see is one marked “Cockfighting R.I.P.”
Garcia, D-Doña Ana and the majority whip, is sponsoring Senate Bill 10, which would outlaw cockfighting.