LETTERS: STATE NEEDS COCKFIGHT BAN

To the editor:

When the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that the law against cockfighting was constitutionally vague, lawmakers and state officials assured those who abhor this brutal blood sport that the decision was merely a technicality. Twelve years later, cockfighters engage in this ruthless activity with the tacit endorsement of the state, while year after year the cockfighting lobby prevents passage of a ban on an activity that is illegal in 45 other states. In 16 states, cockfighting is a felony, while it remains legal in Missouri.

The Humane Society of the United States is once again appealing to Missouri lawmakers to make 1997 the year that Missouri joins so many other states in recognizing the brutal and cruel nature of cockfighting. To ensure that we aren't back pleading for this bill again in 1998 or into the new millennium, we have enlisted the help of John Britton, a powerful veteran in the game of Missouri politics who has offered his services to this cause.

We have also commissioned a national poll to demonstrate the public's strong opposition to cockfighting. The national firm of Penn & Schoen polled 1,500 people. The poll showed that 78 percent of Americans favor banning cockfighting in all states.

Even law enforcement officials, who would have the additional burden of enforcing a cockfighting ban, don't want this sport going on in Missouri. The Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Sheriff's Association support a ban on cockfighting and recognize that illegal activity, such as gambling, prostitution and drug use, frequently occur at cockfights.

The legality of cockfighting in Missouri has led to an increase in the number of cockfighting operations in the state, such as the H&H Poultry and Game Bird Arena in Montgomery City, which opened in November.

The Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the Alliance for Animal Legislation in Missouri call on the elected representatives of Missouri to yield to the will of the people instead of the will of the cockfighting lobby.

The support for a cockfighting ban is strong in Missourians. Numerous editorials in favor of a ban have been very helpful. We believe a very small but determined group of legislators have successfully blocked this bill from becoming law.

Bills in the Missouri General Assembly to ban cockfighting are Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 37. With your help, Missouri can enter the 21st century without the state endorsement of an archaic and cruel sport.

WENDELL MADDOX, Midwest Regional Director

The Humane Society of the United State

Kansas City