More than 110 roosters were rescued from a brutal cockfighting operation in Coolidge, Arizona, where investigators also found steroids, cash ledgers, training gear, and weapons. Two men now face dozens of charges including animal cruelty and running an illegal enterprise. This case is a horrifying reminder that animal fighting rings are still active in our communities—and often tied to deeper networks of abuse, violence, and neglect.

Cockfighting is not just inhumane, it is organized animal torture. The animals are forced to fight for entertainment and profit, often to the death, with blades strapped to their legs and drugs in their systems. It is a felony in Arizona for a reason. Yet this case shows how deeply embedded and well-funded these operations can be, and how urgently more needs to be done.

While the arrests are a critical first step, justice for the animals demands more. We need stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and clear funding for agencies like the Arizona Humane Society that are left to care for the survivors. We also need lawmakers to address the broader ecosystem of animal abuse and criminal activity that cockfighting supports.

We are calling on the Pinal County Board of Supervisors and Arizona lawmakers to take action:

• Increase funding and resources for investigating animal fighting rings
• Require mandatory forfeiture of all animals seized in cruelty cases
• Pass stronger sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders and enterprise-level abuse
• Support rehabilitation or sanctuary placement for rescued animals

No animal should be forced to suffer for entertainment. Arizona has the laws in place. Now we need the will and the leadership to enforce them fully and protect the most vulnerable creatures from brutal abuse.

Sign this petition to send a clear message: Cockfighting has no place in Arizona. We will not turn a blind eye to cruelty.

 
 Photo: ABC15