25 January 2019

Letter from Nedim C. Buyukmihci, VMD to Monterey County, CA officials Re: cockfighting


22 October 2019

Monterey County Board of Supervisors

It is my understanding that numerous illegal rooster operations have been identified in your county. Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, it is logical to assume that some of or all these operations are involved in one way or another with forcing roosters to fight (cockfighting), something that is morally reprehensible.

Forcing or encouraging animals to fight for the sake of 'entertainment' is unquestionably cruel. The majority of the American public is opposed to this, hence the reason for cockfighting being illegal in all states in this country except Louisiana. Moreover, cockfighting, as well as all animal fighting, is considered cruel and is condemned by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the largest organised veterinary medical association worldwide.

If we are to consider ourselves a civilized nation, we need to not only outlaw activities that cause gratuitous suffering to animals, but also prevent situations which are intended to support those activities. Our society desperately needs to foster a greater respect for the other creatures with whom we share this planet. Causing animals, including chickens, to fight is anathema with respect to that aspiration. As a veterinarian and expert on animal welfare, I urge you to shut down these operations and re-home the roosters to appropriate sanctuaries.



Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D.
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California-Davis
E-mail: ncbuyukmihci@ucdavis.edu