Many animal lovers will agree that cockfighting is a dangerous sport that causes harm to the roosters. For the uninitiated, a cockfight is a blood sport in which two roosters are placed in a small ring and encouraged to fight to death. Even though it is an illegal activity in many countries, cockfighting still persists across certain states.
Recently, a Philippine police officer was killed by a rooster during a raid on an illegal cockfight, reports Daily Mail. The incident occurred in the province of Northern Samar. Lieutenant Christine Bolok was struck by the rooster’s gaff – a razor-sharp steel blade that sliced an artery in his leg. The gaff, which is generally attached to the leg of fighting roosters, cut his left thigh, slicing his femoral artery.
He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Cockfighting, or ‘tupada’, which is a popular sport in the Philippines, was only allowed in licensed cockpits on certain days before the pandemic, reports BBC. Provincial police chief Colonel Arnel Apud called the accident “unfortunate” and said it’s a” piece of bad luck that I cannot explain”.
He added,Â
“I could not believe it when it was first reported to me. This is the first time in my 25 years as a policeman that I lost a man due to a fighting cock’s spur.”
The department also sent their “deepest sympathy” to the victim’s family. So far, three people have been arrested in the matter and seven fighting roosters along with two sets of gaff and 550 Philippine Peso (Rs.800 approx.) in bet money were confiscated. Police officers also identified three other suspects who have not been arrested yet.