Cockfighting is considered a very cruel sport and it has been banned in several countries around the world. In India, the practice is a popular practice in Tamil culture. During the festival of Pongal, cockfighting competitions are held across the state and parts of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
According to a Local18 report, the rooster fighting competition is very popular in places like Thanjavur, Pattukkottai, Trichy, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Karur, Aravakurichi and Coimbatore.
Last week, Mettupalayam hosted a two-day cockfighting tournament despite a ban on such events. The cockfighting tournament was organised after 10 years, according to reports.
The Puducherry government clamped down on cockfighting due to complaints of gambling and law enforcement issues, leading to police cases against violators and confiscation of roosters.
The two-day cockfighting championship kicked off at Mettupalayam Heavy Vehicle Terminal on July 14. Over 1,000 roosters from more than 10 states, including Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, participated in the competition, attracting a large crowd of spectators. Prizes were also announced for the winning roosters, highlighting the renewed interest in this controversial event despite the ban and ongoing debates about animal cruelty.
Over 20 species of roosters are brought up for the practice of cockfighting. Some include breeds like Noori, Java, Sita, Yakut, Zakariakootu, Thummariakuthu and Jaridyabiga. The fighting pairs of roosters are decided 21 days in advance to the event. The roosters set to participate in the fight are fed very well.
According to Local18, their diet includes food items like pistachios, dates and honey. The roosters are also given millet and ragi.
Cockfighting still remains popular in rural areas of Tamil Nadu and parts of Puducherry and the blood sport is organised occasionally despite a ban by the Supreme Court since 2014.
In January, the Madras High Court had granted permission to organised cockfighting events during Pongal celebrations in some parts of Tamil Nadu, but with certain restrictions. The HC had directed the District Collectors to keep a strict watch on such events for any violation of guidelines. One of the conditions laid out by the HC was to organise events without tying a blade to the legs of the roosters.
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