Two roosters were cruelly abused and discarded, and this is a tragedy we cannot overlook. What happened to these birds was not an accident, a misunderstanding, or a situation we can simply call "unfortunate." They were living beings, and their lives were brutally violated and then discarded as if they had no value.

Ringing in the New Year on January 1st, 2026, two women residents of Bates City, Missouri created a TikTok of themselves driving while one woman hung one of the two roosters by his legs outside of an open window of the moving vehicle in 30-degree Fahrenheit winter temperatures. The video segment was followed by the two women smiling while each holding a rooster upside by their legs and then driving away from a seemingly abandoned property leaving the two roosters behind without food, water, or shelter from the elements and predators. 

This petition stems from an urgent need to change how we perceive, understand, and treat animals like roosters. Too often, roosters are considered disposable simply because they are inconvenient to people. This kind of mindset encourages neglect and mistreatment. These roosters relied on humans for their basic needs such as care, safety, and nourishment, and instead, their trust was betrayed. Science also teaches that anatomy of birds is quite different than many animals. Holding a bird upside for any amount of time causes pressure to their lungs (which are located on their backs), causing a lack of oxygen, and places them into what is called tonic immobility which is a natural fight or flight response when introduced to perceived threat. Now imagine having difficulty breathing while hanging out of a car window in 30 degrees and fearing for your life all at the same time. 

On the same day of January 1st, 2026, law enforcement was called upon, to which they made a visit to the household of one of the women, and a report was filed. We are calling on all local authorities to thoroughly investigate and hold the two women involved accountable for their actions. Missouri law recognizes that the abuse of animals is a serious crime that can carry severe consequences. By pursuing justice for these two roosters, we take a stand against the broader acceptance of animal cruelty.

It is time to act and ensure these roosters face justice, serving as a deterrent against future acts of cruelty. We implore the community to support this cause, emphasizing the principle that all creatures deserve respect and protection.

Please stand with us and demand justice for these abused roosters by signing and sharing this petition. Your support can make a difference in advocating for stronger animal protection laws and holding those who abuse animals accountable.