Cock Fighting

Cockfighting, or Sabong as it’s known in the Philippines, is a popular blood sport and billion dollar industry, with around 2500 cockpits in the Philippines. Gamecocks are bred for increased strength, agility and a certain aggressive temperament, and groomed meticulously; their wattles and combs (the red skin hanging off their cheeks and on the tops of their heads) is trimmed causing bleeding and pain, to prevent other roosters tearing them off in the ring. Their spurs (bony protrusions on their legs) are often cut off to make it easier to attach blades to their legs. During a game, cocks fight to the death, or until one is critically injured. In the Philippines Cockfighting is legal and regulated, though illegal cockfights are common. Bets are placed and millions of pesos can be exchanged in one game. Around 30 million roosters are killed per year as a consequence of the sport.