The winner takes it all! The loser has to fall... While legally banned in some places, cock fighting is permissible in others, around the world.
The cocks are fed a special rich diet, massaged, shampooed and generally spoilt more than any child. A common sight is groups of men lovingly fondling their birds and engaging them in mock fights. The ideal fighting age is one to two years.
In the cool of the late afternoon, farmers and fishermen, shopkeepers and public servants gather in isolated clearings to roar as they pit their birds against each other for real and bet vast sums on the outcome.
Cock fighting is a cruel sport that is still actively practiced in some parts of the world. While various governments have tried to put an end to it, people still dwell on the cultural and sporting aspects of the practice, and continue with the same.
We bring this video to you to draw attention to this illegal and criminal activity - please do NOT shoot the messenger. By not viewing this video and not creating more widespread awareness about the need to ban such a practice, we would not be putting an end to the sport!
''Taji'' - razor-sharp metal spurs - are tied to the left leg of each competitor using red twine. When a cock occasionally turns ''chicken'' and bolts from the ring, spectators scatter like frangipani flowers on the coastal breeze. One strike from a spur could put you in hospital.
Gamblers hold up one, two, three or four fingers signifying they want to bet 25,000, 50,000, 75,000 or 100,000 rupiahs on a bird. these amounts represent a major punt. Before the bout the birds are massaged like prize boxers and held close to each other to build up their fury. Their feathers fan like an angry frill-necked lizard. Once released, the birds leap at each other with blinding speed, striking out with spurs, wings and beaks. The crowd cheers and moans based on the fate of the bird they have backed. Fights are often over within moments, with one bird delivering a fatal blow with the spur. Others can rage for several minutes. The loser gets butchered on the spot and ends up going into the soup pot of the winning bird's owner. Even the victor may die from its wounds. Fighting life is short. Any bird that can win three times is a ''buruh'' - a champion. Source smh.com
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