Cockfighting? DUH!!!

Posted by: Pamela Oates | February 7, 2008 05:51 PM

The cock fighter breeders in the U.S. have been doing business for years with cockfighters in the Dominican Republic and other places.

They buy and sell fighting birds, and ship them back and forth from the US and these other countries.

Posted by: kelly | February 7, 2008 06:07 PM

He should be banned from playing a professional sport. He is supposed to be a role model.

Posted by: Suzanne | February 7, 2008 06:35 PM

I would like to correct the article in that although in some countries it is customary to replace the spurs with razors, in the Dominican Republic razors are not used, instead they use ceramic spurs. The real ones still get sawed off. However they fight just as they would if they were left out in nature, IT IS IN THEIR NATURE. Also, isn't eating poultry a big part of most people's diet?? Like you said, he isn't breaking any rules, it is in another country, where it is considered a SPORT, almost, if not as big as baseball!!!

Posted by: ALFREDO | February 7, 2008 07:35 PM

Why do you not take a jab at bullfighting, much more vicious than cockfighting. Its sad that you feel free to criticize other cultures around the world, seems somewhat hypocritical. That explains the worlds view of the US.

Posted by: Joel Mayne | February 7, 2008 07:57 PM

Why can't you people leave Pedro alone. It's in his right because the act is legal in his country. If it was in this country then you guys can have a say. But since it didn't take place in this country, get off his back. It doesn't make him a bad person. Why don't you spend your time on some of the more increasingly important issue we have in this world. Animals are everywhere, they aren't going anywhere, in fact they are going to out live us. You all treat animals like they are our pets. Dogs and cats are our pets in this country. However they are eaten in other societies. Why don't you splatter their names all over the tabloids, oh yeah, I forgot, you guys only torment people of influence. I guess it all comes down to money. Who can we exploit so they have no choice to donate money to help our cause. That makes me sick!!

Posted by: Anthony Franklin | February 7, 2008 08:07 PM

Absolutely disgusting, this guy is a classless moron.

Posted by: Nicole | February 7, 2008 08:20 PM

Pedro no va a dejar eso en la Rep Dominicana hay una gallera en cada pueblo eso es como jugar pelota.

Posted by: jailys | February 7, 2008 08:59 PM

it is my opinion that peta and other organization shouldn't get involve with other peoples culture. i mean would you like it if the u.s government tells you to stop believing in your religion.

Posted by: a | February 7, 2008 09:07 PM

It's not your business that Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal participated in a cockfighting event in the Dominican Republic two years ago. They are not US citizen and they did in the Dominican Republic and also its legal overthere.
Get a real job,

Jose.

Posted by: Jose | February 7, 2008 09:08 PM

I would like to ask you a simple question? Who gave you the right to condenm what Dominicans practice in its own country.As far as I know Dominicans always practice cockfighting for years.I believe you taking this matter too far from reality, I do not see you point.As Independent nation (Dominican Republic)we do not need you to tell us what to do in our country, so please respect our nationals and our country,do what you have to do in yours.Cockfighting is legal in Puerto Rico too, go over there ,they part of USA.Finally, Pedro do not need to apologize for something is legal in his country.I hope you apologize to all dominicans because we do not agree with you comments.

Posted by: Judith Stephen | February 7, 2008 10:22 PM

Athletes are NOT role models. Kids want to play the game, not be like them. There's a difference.

If you're not even going to bother approaching this from a cultural perspective, you may as well not even bother (And no, mentioning it in a sentence is not an approach).

Posted by: e | February 7, 2008 11:38 PM

Shame on you pedro...A Disgrace..

Posted by: Ozzie Velez Jr | February 8, 2008 12:59 AM

Holy crap, that's TERRIBLE. What human scum Pedro Martinez is.

Posted by: Canaduck | February 8, 2008 02:06 AM

Get a life. Go after those shows on ESPN early saturday and sunday morning that show people in trees kills deer and other wild life. In china dogs and other animals are prepared daily for food. In Pedro country it's a way of life. Go to his country and protest and see what happens.

Posted by: ll | February 8, 2008 04:13 AM

you guys are losers! big deal...its only a freaking rooster....get a real job....honestly.Whats next how they slaughter fish?? there are millions of people starving all over the world,kids suferring from govt.that dont care about them and you guys are worried about roosters...pathetic

Posted by: Ulises Rodriguez | February 8, 2008 07:32 AM

he needs to have some compassion! they say that vick is trying to come back

Posted by: Amber Falobas | February 8, 2008 08:29 AM

You guys are stupid. Dont you have anything better to do than worry about animals in another country. There are real people starving and dying here in America. You have way to much free time on your hands. Get a friggin life and leave people the hell alone losers

Posted by: Jonathan | February 8, 2008 08:46 AM

Pedro- think before you act!

Posted by: Maria Pappa | February 8, 2008 08:51 AM

Get a life PETA ! Worry about the US not DR. He didnt not do any wrong he is dominican that what we do and like it by the way

Posted by: Gabby | February 8, 2008 09:34 AM

He should be hanged. I hope he doesn't paly a single game this year. He is getting paid with US dollars and doing this for fun. I am OUTRAGED...get 'em PETA!!!

Posted by: shawn | February 8, 2008 09:59 AM

It's funny that the comments are not posted immediately, it's almost like you want to screen them first to not post any that are not in accordance with your views. Nevertheless, as far as Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal are concerned, I can see where people can get offended by watching others (especially well known members of society) attend a cockfight event. Still, it does not mean that you should request that they apologize and attend a seminar because you want them too. Michael Vick attended the seminar because he was caught doing something illegal (in this country) after lying to the public - he needed to "redeemed" himself in a way. Martinez & Marichal were in a coleseum not in a backyard hiding from the public eye. They were out in the open AND NOT IN THIS COUNTRY and were mere spectators and honarary fight starters. Yes you state that cockfighting is legal in the DR but trying to impose your US views and forcing an apology is WRONG when, in reality, they have not done anything wrong. They are inadvertant role models of society and owe nothing to no one. This "cockfighting" issue is only brought to light and to the public eye (including children) because people make a "big deal" out of it (like PETA and reporters). As stated in your letter to Pedro, yes cruelty of animals has no place in our society but it is OUR society not the rest of the world's. Do we apologize to every single person we offend here and afar? No. So why should we ask others to at our beck and wimb. What's funny is how if there is no apology issued PETA would picket until they cause a commotion and force the babseball players to apologize. Once you get that apology, how authentic do you really think it is? Instead of focusing a this LEGAL EVENT that occurred a few years ago in A FOREIGN COUNTRY, why not focus on the good that they have done, like build schools, churches, baseball academies etc. Try that on for size!

Posted by: Priscilla | February 8, 2008 10:04 AM

Michael Vick was desperate to rehab his reputation and look a little better before the prosecutors and judge. He attended the seminar as a ploy. Pedro Martinez doesn't have the same motivation, given that he can't face criminal charges and doesn't have to worry about trying to convince a jury or judge that he has changed and deserves a lesser sentence.

Posted by: Ashes | February 8, 2008 10:56 AM

It seems that Cockfighting is part of the culture in the Dominican. Why harp on Pedro for participating in an event that has historical roots? It overzealous accusations such as these that desensitize my support for organizations such as PETA. Why don't you fight against something worth fighting for and completely immoral? US Foreign Policy. PETA stay within your boundaries to determine what is wrong and what is right. Maybe the commoners will find some sense in that and tend to support you more.

Posted by: Ryan | February 8, 2008 11:34 AM

Here PETA & HSUS trying to impose their views as to what people should and should not do. DM is a foreign country; it's not the U.S. Cockfighting is a part of their culture and the people of DM are fined with it.
Yeah, you organization(s) PETA and HSUS have made it clear that animals are more important than people. Your organization(s) directs hate towards other people that are not as compassionate as you are towards animals. You can only hope to educate people; it's their decision if they choose not to listen or not.
Now, I don't agree with you getting into the affairs of the MLB.
Try this on for size, what are your reaction when a dog mauls a child? I guess you fault the owner, claiming that the dog was neglected. You have too much time on your hand, just like I had too much time to write this email.

Posted by: Coach | February 8, 2008 11:37 AM

to all the antiblogging morons up-here: PETA has an innate right to condemn and fight against all kind of animal cruelty as bullfighting, dogfighting and cockfighting! these three criminal actions are highly condemnable and NO CULTURE but stupid ruthless 'passtimes' of heartless idiots and illiterate folks! hace muchos anos que yo lucho contro los barbaricos paises de origen y dominacion espanola con sus 'juegos' criminales y sin respecto por la vida de otras creaturas y tambien muuuuuuy catolicos! verguenza para cada uno de vosotros! deseo vomitar en sus caras sin respecto y sentimiento!
V E R G U E N Z A - T O R T U R A N O E S C U L T U R A!!!!!!!

Posted by: tortura no es cultura | February 8, 2008 11:40 AM

Priscilla,

Comments are not posted immediately on this blog. Try PETA's Forum:

http://www.peta.org/forums/index.asp

Your comments will appear right away, and you can introduce a new topic yourself.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | February 8, 2008 11:53 AM

shame on all those who think that torturning animals makes part of some culture! shame on this spanish heritage in all these spanish colonized countries - this is a shameful despisable heritage and my felicitations to PETA for making awareness for this shameful criminal attitude which has to be eradicated! yo soy latino pero no me gusta torturar animales - que verguenza!!!!

Posted by: latino | February 8, 2008 11:53 AM

Another piece of shit man, big surprise.

Posted by: Karen | February 8, 2008 12:09 PM

There is sometimes a huge difference between legal and moral.

Culture is no excuse for cruelty, though some will try to hide behind it.

It's funny how PETA members are sometimes lectured that they should tend to the needs of people in other countries, but when PETA tries to do the same for foreign animals they are told to mind their own business.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | February 8, 2008 12:11 PM

Gee, it looks like people are just cutting and pasting the same comments they were using when Mike Vick was under scrutiny: "it's only a rooster/dog/etc", and "don't you have anything better to do than ...?" for example.

Let PETA do its job, which is to expose animal abuse all over the world, and to show people the horrors of even "legal" activities such as circuses, hunting, and cockfighting in other countries.

Pedro Martinez is playing a sport in the US, and he will be seen as a potential role model, whether he should or not. Would all of you defenders feel the same if he was caught being involved with prostitutes in Amsterdam?? Any of Pedro's sponsors will no doubt be deciding whether or not to cut him loose (they should), because he is supposed to be representing them.

Way to go PETA for exposing Pedro's actions!

Posted by: Michele | February 8, 2008 12:27 PM

it is utterly deplorable that as soon as PETA starts to care in the right way about a new misdeed the negative people come again out of their dark holes, accusing and lamenting about something which should not even be questionmarked! it is not normal to torture animals and animal abuse doesn't make part of any culture in this world! killing an animal for pleasure is a cowardly despisable act of cruelty and a crime against the Creator of all living beings! people - from wherever they are have no right to torture helpless animals who are much higher in their social life attitude as any human being! torturing an animal to death is against human dignity and a criminal challenge against GOD! instead of thinking about this point there are always insane, heartless and illiterate - uneducated people to open their mouth for a ruthless criminal cause! clean your hearts first and then get educated about the animal kingdom and the rules of a normal respectful lifestyle - instead of shouting crime and nonsense here! even if you are a dominican you should have some human dignity! cockfighting and bullfighting are not dominican heritage but an imported degenerated spanish attitude! i talked with many of this kind of people in spain and spanish colonized countries! a great part of them are bigoted catholics or the contrary - atheists, indulging in some ruthless primitive passtimes without any link to any known culture or heritage!

Posted by: claudia marrapodi | February 8, 2008 12:27 PM

as always..you can count on the peta bloggers to show their true colors when it comes to the human race:
from shawn" " he should be hanged"...

and how can anyone on this blog speak about role models when your beloved peta trots out:
pamela anderson, dennis rodman, ron jeremy and jenna jameson.... all terrific role models...

cock fighting is incredibly wrong...but not in the dominican and not for pedro martinez...stop trying to impose your rules and will on the rest of the world....

Posted by: common sense steve | February 8, 2008 12:52 PM

It's a damn chicken people. Are there not more important things in this world to worry your pretty little heads about?

Posted by: Really? | February 8, 2008 12:53 PM

HOW CAN A HUMAN BEING THINK THAT ANIMAL TORTURE BELONGS TO ANY CULTURE? ON WHAT KIND OF A RASCAL PLANET AM I?

make up your minds and hearts - you are disgusting - inhumane - non-humans - beasts! everything clear?

Posted by: ANIMAL LIBERATION | February 8, 2008 12:55 PM

All the views about legal elsewhere or cultural are invalid because there have been many cultures where horrible things are legal and typical. That does not mean it should be allowed. In fact, it is illegal to go do certain things in other countries, like rape kids, even if it is ok over there. Why should barbarian cultures undermine ours, anyway? The person is a role model here. We have far too many awful role models.

Posted by: stoptorture | February 8, 2008 01:00 PM

The article comparing the KKK to the AKC was disturbing. I am an African American and when I recieved the email, and immediately saw the Hooded individual, yes I was offended.

Posted by: julia west | February 8, 2008 01:01 PM

To the other Judith and Priscilla,
ANIMAL WELFARE IS UNIVERSAL,
what part of that do you not understand?
Your posts are idiotic and they make no sense.
Pedro will be punished by the public.
We will make his life a living hell for as long as we can.
Peace!!!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | February 8, 2008 01:10 PM

TO ALL WHO COMPLAINING THAT PETA IS UNDERMINING DOMINICAN CULTURE:

The world's animals cannot be subjected to culture. Culture is a human institution. Would you agree that cannibalism is okay just because it is part of a tribes culture? It is the goal of animal rights activists to try and help every country's animals, no matter if barbarism is still legal in said country. So, don't play the culture card.
P.S. plus the guy is a Met so he should be acting like an AMERICAN role model.

Posted by: Vegancakes | February 8, 2008 01:15 PM

This is legal in the Dominican. He is a role model both there and in the U.S. and should continue to be. P.E.T.A. needs to get off their high horse, or does riding a horse hurt it in some way??? Ridiculous! Leave Pedro alone.

Posted by: Steff | February 8, 2008 01:24 PM

Some people who defend this man and all other people who make cruelty things to the animals, don't care about the animal's pain and suffering, only for the bad people's profit. All of this has to end in the whole world

Posted by: liliana | February 8, 2008 01:26 PM

No se olviden que el boxeo en US es permitido, haciendo comparaciones de boxeo y pelea de gallo. Los humanos somos racionales (pensamos y analisamos nuestras libertades) pero en mi opinion el boxeo es una exclavitud del dinero de apuestas. Que lindo un grupo de sinverguenza colaborando con de "supuestamente deporte"
echar dos hombres a pelear esto es injusto.

Posted by: Ed. | February 8, 2008 01:32 PM

Even though I do not support cock fighting it’s a national sport in the Dominican rep. I don’t see how an American citizen has the right to pass judgment on other nation’s cultural activities. If Pedro Martinez was doing this in the states I would see this as being a big deal.

Posted by: Dan | February 8, 2008 01:38 PM

Shawn, you said he should be hanged. Heaven help you. At least PETA's letter was aimed at education. You jumped from "it's wrong to hurt a chicken" to "it's good to kill a human being." Wow. Just wow.

Posted by: Mabel | February 8, 2008 01:41 PM

I love all the people commenting that "it's not in the US, so don't bother getting involved" You know, whats happening in Darfur is not happening in the US, and I'm Canadian for the record, but we should still give a damn. A wrong is a wrong is a wrong no matter what culture or country you live in. It was legal to rape and murder a woman for "cheating" on her husband under Taliban rule, does THAT make it right? And no, for the record Im not comparing roosters to human lives, but animal abuse is still cruelty whether it is a rooster or a dog. Get over your nationalism issues. This is straight up about abuse.

Posted by: Courtney | February 8, 2008 01:43 PM

Peta, Get a "f" live. that is legal in the Dr, you got to read more you stupid people. Pedro was there because he was invited to see the fight. you should better be worrying about your baseball players using HGH and your soldiers killing innocent people in Iraq. Pedro is a good guy and he wasnt doing anything wrong. Peta better spend you time trying to help needed people

Posted by: hugo | February 8, 2008 01:56 PM

Cockfighting is legal and very popular in the DR. Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal were honor guest in that night. the Honor guest roll is only to release the roosters to fight. It was an innocent mistake from them to participate in that fight. People get over because cockfighting is legal in the DR.

Posted by: Alberto | February 8, 2008 02:05 PM

It's a pretty sad commentary on our culture that we become outraged about the well being of chickens, but don't bat an eye at the millions of babies murdered every year thanks to legalized abortion. Forgive me if the plight of roosters fails to move me.

Posted by: Will | February 8, 2008 02:22 PM

I believe that before we start attacking Pedro for doing something which is part of his culture we should start fighting cockfighting within this country as Louisiana still hasnt banned cockfighting and Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands still aprove of this practice. Then after we set the example in our own country we may be better equiped to pass judgment on others.

Posted by: Juan Melo | February 8, 2008 02:28 PM

That is so disgusting. I can not get over these people who make millions off of doing what they love, then turn around and spend that money gambling on a sick disgusting sport like this? I think these are the people that need to get a real job, after some good counseling of course.

Posted by: Sarah | February 8, 2008 02:31 PM

i agree with all of the people commenting that it is none of our damn business what takes place in another country....and Jose is right that is why we have the world view we have...it is part of there culture...plain and simple..leave them alone and if you cant grow a pair and move to the dominican to complain and grandstand about it....now michael vick is a different story dog fighting is not culturally acceptable in our country so suffer the consequence i say....but leave pedro and juan alone and i don't even like pedro im a yankess fan but let the guys alone...and animal sensitivity training for athletes give me a break...you people need a dose of reality..you are the ones that make me sick!!

Posted by: scott | February 8, 2008 02:41 PM

from all this poison from the peta-haters we can see how many hours of their life they spend on their most detested blog. today they lost their face and betrayed themselves - and me, i have a drink and lough on them! estupidos cojones para siempre!

Posted by: animalfriend | February 8, 2008 03:04 PM

How shamefull for a country making animal torture his principal passtime! And tenthousand times more shamefull for those citizens of such a country who are defending this horrible abuse!

Posted by: Sven Lund | February 8, 2008 03:14 PM

Priscilla: From what kind of a whole are you coming out? There is no country in the world having adopted animal torture for any charitable cause! these are just degenerated illiterate losts! every righteous nation and community in this world doesn't need animal abuse for their passtime! also in those countries they got art and culture on other levels than just bull- and cockfighting! this doesn't make the history of a country but it's shame! strangely enough there are nevertheless some government-members all over the world approving such crimes but in the same time they are often into satanism like for example the rich bull breeders in spain! you poor little shady go rather back into your shadow and shut up here! if you are hating animals and PETA you are definitely on the wrong blog! TORTURA NO ES CULTURA - write it behind your ears!

Posted by: Cerberus | February 8, 2008 03:26 PM

spain sucks: everywhere they made colonization they put a bullshit of animal abuse! yep!

Posted by: liliput | February 8, 2008 03:39 PM

I don't care if it's in the "culture" of the Dominican Republic, it still doesn't make it right.

As a latina, I am ASHAMED to hear other latinos on this blog defending Pedro Martinez all in the name of a "culture."

In many Latin American countries it is customary for a woman to get a beating by her husband. I REFUSE to allow a man to beat his wife all in the name of a "culture."

Is this the kind of "culture" you want your country to be known for? For a "sport" that drugs roosters and entices them to fight while a bunch of smelly drunk men crowd around and place bets on them? These men need to be working or need to be at home helping their wives take care of the home. This is what you want your country to be known for? Classy isn't it.

Just because our countries are third world countries does not mean that we have to act unruly and uncivilized.

Have we become so uneducated not to see that cockfighting is wrong? And have we become so stupid as to actually argue reasons for allowing cock fights??

Posted by: Jaclyn | February 8, 2008 03:49 PM

Cruelty to animals is everyone's business! (or it should be). What difference does it make what Country it is taking place in? Pedro Martinez should be ashamed of
himself. You would think he
might want to involve himself
in more positive activities, such as being a spokesperson
FOR animal welfare issues. He
is sending a very bad message
to his younger fans.Cockfighting is terribly
vile,viscious, and a nightmare
for the poor roosters--A sport???? What's wrong with
you dude? Snap out of it, and
start doing something positive
for our animal friends. In the
Dominican Republic, or anywhere for that matter

Posted by: Pamela L. | February 8, 2008 04:32 PM

Just because DR continues to have cockfights doesn't make it right. In DR young daughters are still being married off to wealthy Europeans and Americans to benefit the girls' families. What about the young girls? That's culture, that's alright then???

There are no boundaries regarding cruelty and abuse to animals. Do you tell people to only help people in the USA? No, you don't. DR also enjoys the benefit of american $$$$$ to improve very poor living conditions. I have DR students and not all approve of cockfighting, many think it is wrong. That is not culture it is cruelty. PETA and all animal advocates can voice their opinion about cruelty to animals anytime they want. It doesn't matter if you don't like it, violence towards all animals needs to be addressed and stopped.
One of my best friends is DR and vegan for the animals. She finds the violent practices against animals in DR shameful. She is also loved by many for her gentle ways. Not all Dominicans think alike so stop with this us DR's against you crap! It shows your ignorance.

Posted by: Ana | February 8, 2008 04:36 PM

Yeah, Priscilla, they screen the comments to remove any that don't agree with their view. That must be why more than half of the comments are from total idiots who do nothing more than refresh this page over and over again waiting for a chance to whine about how much they love hunting.

Try that on for size.

Posted by: Canaduck | February 8, 2008 04:52 PM

The Michael Vick/Pedro Martinez comparison is a weak analogy.

Michael Vick was intimately involved in dogfighting. He funded and was involved in the dogfighting operation.

Pedro was invited to this cockfight as a figurehead would be invited to do the opening coin flip.

I don't think that cockfighting makes someone a "bad" person. Those who try to compare speciesism to racism or sexism attempt a similarly weak analogy by failing to recognize the difference in cognitive capacities between humans and animals.

What is more deplorable than the cockfighting culture in DR, or Pedro's involvement in it, is PETA's blatantly self-serving request that all MLB players be required to take a sensitivity class.

Posted by: Dee | February 8, 2008 05:01 PM

Shawn is right - animal abuse should be punished by hanging! like this they would know how it feels!!!

Posted by: chief seattle's legacy | February 8, 2008 05:15 PM

Canaduck, right on!

I would like all of you Martinez/cockfighting defenders to tell all of us liberal, granola-crunching, tree-hugging hippies just exactly what volunteering YOU do to help people or animals! Please... we are breathlessly awaiting your replies... (even though, boo hoo, we might have to wait more than a few hours to have the replies posted - talk about your inability to delay gratification!!!!!!!!!!!)

Oh, and I don't recall ever seeing pictures of cockfighting on any of the Dominican Republic tourism brochures...

Posted by: Michele | February 8, 2008 05:22 PM

tortura no es cultura, latino and Jaclyn

Muchas gracias, thank you so much for your intelligent comments. Jaclyn your words were especially poignant. If this is the best latinos can defend then all is lost. And like you, being Latina, I find these latinos defending this barbaric, vulgar, and violent activity that maims and kills these chickens very shameful. Jaclyn every word you wrote makes sense. How stupid to try to defend cockfights that are so cruel and a vestige of Spanish dominance. Shame!!! Third world countries have other things to be proud of but cruelty to animals is not one of them.

And, tortura no es cultura, yes, they are very Catholic with the blood of animals on their hands as they go to Mass and ask God for mercy. I also want to regurgitate.

To the animal abusers/haters/killers, stop using the culture card. It is weak and ignorant to do so.

Posted by: Ana | February 8, 2008 05:34 PM

Al PETA ese, que se pongan a protestar en contra de todos los militares que estan matando en Irak, que son mas valiosos que los gallos esos.
Pedro continua en tu pela de gallos, no te lleve de estas perosnas con doble moral, son unos canallas, racistas.

Posted by: Carlos | February 8, 2008 05:45 PM

You People cannnot be serious everyone is entitled to do what ever they want especially if it is legal... Number 1 PETA has absolutely no right to ask for any apology on the behalf of a ROOSTER!! When the rooster feels that they were done wrong and the day they can acutally voice out how they feel then maybe maybe pedro should apologize... and since The Dominican Republic is so bad because it is legal there then why dont you PETA freaks donate your time and fucking money in to Educating my people in the dominican republic.We are savages aren't well then why dont u come and humanize us put ur money into our government that way they can put it in to schooling our savage children.. fuck the animals help the people who are struggling out there and are dying of aids and more than half of the population is living day to day when you PETA people know what it is to struggle and the only thing you do have to eat is a young lamb then your whole silly idea about animals being equal to humans are rediculous

Posted by: david | February 8, 2008 05:47 PM

its sad to see that these people involved with peta actually dont do anything to help out humans .. as far as i seen was a whole lot of complaining and finger pointing because of some bs abuse to some animal why dont u people work with acs and try to help these abused children coming out of broken homes????????why are you out in the hood ???? come out to BROOKLYN,New York specifically come to east new york, brownsville, crown heights, mill basin, flatbush, or canarsie.... come out here please and help out all of these young teens and children with this bs gang mentality where kids who are 9 10 yrs old sellin dope or crack out of an abandoned apartment. this is sad why are we getting any help out here... we dont do it cause we like to... some of our parents are killed due to gang violence or drug overdoses why cant you help us??? why are the very few good talented ones that acutally make it out of the hood and get into college praised ... no it would never happen becase these WHITE upper and middle class people care more about their dogs than the next human being... Let the latinos and blacks kill themselves off and make room for some lousy dogs... and when a man who is doing something that is perfectly legal get picked on who cares ... because where it was at it was legal to hell with everything else.... and those people that actually have the nerve to complain about it youuu have better be a freaking vegan you have better not have anyyy at all absolutely nothing from an animal....wait a minute plants are living beings tooo
lets stop cutting trees down lets just eat dirt god damnit plants have rights too wat the hell....all of u need to eat beef and get a life

Posted by: david | February 8, 2008 06:02 PM

Dee: you think that cockfighting doesn't make someone a bad person - so know this here: you speciesist are already a bad person - for this you cannot become one!

Posted by: cagliostro | February 8, 2008 06:11 PM

Will: What are you whining on this animal rights blog about abortion: go to the anti-abortion home pages - if you have no heart for chickens, why are you lost here - poor dummy?

Posted by: Radar | February 8, 2008 06:18 PM

The bottom line is, what kind of person derives pleasure from animal abuse? Maybe someone so unhappy in their own life they can only get enjoyment from the misery of others.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | February 8, 2008 06:58 PM

All animal fighting for human entertainment in all counties should be banned. It is sick and the people who participate should find something better to do with their time. Just because people/cultures have been doing something for a long time does not make it right or moral. Pedro was morally wrong to go and participate in the cock fight and I hope that he will be punished by the negative press he is receiving. Hopefully he won't do it again and maybe this will have a positive effect by bringing attention to the animal cruelty of cock fighting.

Posted by: CAR | February 8, 2008 08:11 PM

what all peta.org need to do is mind your business, cockfights are legal in puerto rico & dominican republic and is part of the culture, stop getting on their business, they are already famous and rich, and always someone like peta.org want to disrespect, what peta need to do is to worry about their life and stop worrying about other people s business

Posted by: bonao heights | February 8, 2008 08:12 PM

You guys are so funny. I can understand your position and your reaction if Pedro did it in the US where it is illegal. You want Pedro to take you Animal Sensitivity Training well guess what you and your followers need to take is a Cultural Sensativity Training. Where was PETA at when Pedro using his own money build a school, church and playing field? I bet you and those that follow your org did not know that or care at all. You have no right to demonize Pedro who is an Icon to his people. We can agree to disagree and we must agree to respect each other. Pedro and Marichal need not apologize for doing an act that is legal and culturally accepted in there country.

Posted by: Rafael | February 8, 2008 08:38 PM

Ulises Rodriguez, you mention on your post that there are people starving all over the world. Are you aware of all the grain and water it takes to raise animals for food? Are you also aware that these grains and water could be used to feed those starving people you so much care about.

I care about starving people all over the world as well and I think that by being vegan, I've done my part. But I'd like to do more. Is there an organization that you are a part of that helps out the millions of children that will die this year as a result of hunger? Please let me know. I'd like to do more.

Posted by: Jaclyn | February 8, 2008 08:45 PM

Right on Ana!

Posted by: Jaclyn | February 8, 2008 08:53 PM

What don't you people understand ?

It is LEGAL over in that country to have cock fights . Thats whats wrong now , the US is always trying to get into other countries matters and change things up . Leave their heritage alone !!!! Who cares about some chickens fighting . They would have been killed and cooked anyway . You guys are probably the same people who smack their lips on KFC and Boston Market Chicken . Or dress in Camo and kill defenseless deer or wild turkeys , etc.
I bet only a few of you are vegetarian .

For future reference : STAY OUT OF THEIR BUSINESS , LEGAL BUSINESS FOR THAT MATTER !!

Posted by: Mr Adams | February 8, 2008 08:57 PM

Ah, yes, the "Cultural Excuse". It's getting rather old, don't you think? It comes across as rather primative, only enforcing many people's notions about backward "cultures" such as those in the D. Republic and Asia where barbaric animal abuse is not only practised, but celebrated! Shame on these imbeciles.

Posted by: Marvelous | February 8, 2008 09:01 PM

Every time animal fighting gets exposed, the people who make money in animal fighting try to redirect our attention to "children" or whatever.

There are people in the US. making lots of money in animal fighting right now.

They'll keep doing it until we focus on them and stop it.

Posted by: kelly | February 8, 2008 10:35 PM

Layoff Pedro & Juan. They were engaged in legal activity within their own country. Don't expect MLB to do much ... afterall they did very little to Juan when he clubbed Johnny Roseboro (Dodger Catcher) with a baseball bat! As for me, I'd rather have my kids look up to the likes of most great hall of fame players of any sport than any one of you PETA socialists. The players at least earned their rightful place on their own merits ... you on the other hand are simply trying to assert your personal views on the rest of us. BTW, I don't abuse my pets, I particpate in animal resuces but that won't prevent me from continuing to be a Person who enjoys Eating all Tasty Animals and buying my wife fur coats or aligator handbags. Afterall, we humans were given "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth" Genesis 1:26 - a couple of key definitions DOMINION means control; creeping things that creep upon the earth includes members of PETA!

Posted by: Tom | February 8, 2008 10:46 PM

This is ridiculous. So he is celebrated and ASKED to attend something that is a ritual and normal occuring event in HIS home country, and he now needs to aplogize in this country? He gives us his best on the field in a country that pays him to do so. He has fulfilled his part of the deal. We do not pay him to throw out who he is and how he was raised. To ask him to not be involved in his culture, however controversial it is in this country is wrong. When he goes home, he is home. Who are we to patrol the world? This is the very reason why there is such a negative view of Americans in other countries because what we do is right, and everything we don't do is wrong. I personally don't agree with cockfighting. But who am I to judge the cultural normalcies of another country? We shouldn't judge anyone, but if you are going to, at least let it be a citizen born here. There is a HUGE difference in what Michael Vick did in comparison to what Pedro has done here. You may scold him here, but there he is loved. Who's right? It is not our place to make that decision.

Posted by: Tbobo | February 8, 2008 11:22 PM

Sounds like a lot of people posting on this blog are in the wrong place. Animal fighting for the enjoyment of people is just wrong--no matter where it's done. Because we have power over animals we should treat them better. People like Pedro who make so much $$$ for playing a kid's game should use better judgement in what they do with their free time.

Posted by: Peanut | February 9, 2008 05:52 AM

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

"I hold that the more helpless the creature the more entitled it is to the protection by man, from the cruelty of man."
Mahatma Gandhi

"It ill becomes us to invoke in our daily prayers the blessings of God, the Compassionate, if we in turn will not practice elementary compassion towards our fellow creatures." Mahatma Gandhi

Posted by: Mahatma Gandhi | February 9, 2008 08:43 AM

Juan Melo if people in this country thought the way you did we'd be a better country. People in this country should worry about what goes on here and fix the problems here. No one will respect this country and it's views is we can't clean up our on country first. Try stopping animal abuse here first were it is a crime and then other countries one step at a time. ATHLETES are not role models for kids, that should be the job of good parents. And people talking about MORALS try taking homeless people off the streets. As long as there are homeless people in this country and through out the world, animals will never get there due respect.I think human and animal rights people should work together.

Posted by: ll | February 9, 2008 10:30 AM

I'm from the US South. Cockfighting is a part of the 'culture' here as well. And it might as well be legal with the way in which the local authorities turn a blind eye to this 'sport'. The US South is also an area of rampant poverty that is frequently on the receiving end of snobbery from white, upper middle class Americans. But most of us who live in the region call the 'sport' for what it is- rednecks with inferiority complexes that have no other way to make themselves feel better over their lot in life than abusing animals. And I would be EMBARRASSED if a fellow Southerner attempted to portray this as anything but barbarism. They're a-holes with too much time and money on their hands.

Also, does any of this 'culture' nonsense remind you of the Vick apologists? They all tried to say it was apart of 'southern culture' and 'ghetto culture'. How dare they!? These comments are all the more disturbing considering the fact dogfighting was popularized by the KKK as fundraiser. This not a sport to be valorized by African Americans... or Americans at all. Similarly, the Dominicans are so desperate for a role model that they're excusing imported cruelty from the Spanish colonizers as 'culture'. Are you still murdering indigenous people and calling it 'culture'? Do you gut your nation for profit through plantations and slavery and call it 'culture'. Get real. Those who participate in cockfighting in the DR have the same mentality of colonizers and neo-colonizers because you think that the defenseless are there for your pleasure, entertainment, and profit.

Posted by: Anonymous | February 9, 2008 11:24 AM

You people that condemn PETA for caring about animals need to understand, yes there are people out in the world starving, being tortured, murdered and all the other atrocities against humankind. But there MUST be those that give a darn what happens to the fish in the ocean the ladybug that crawls on your plants and all other life forms. If we as humans don't care what happens to all animals on this planet how do you expect us to help or save people. There must be groups like PETA, GreenPeace,ASPCA. World Wildlife Fund. IF WE CANNOT CARE FOR OTHER FORMS OF LIFE(PROTECT,CARE FOR AND SAVE) then honey there is no hope for the human beings of this world. Somewhere, somehow you people have to learn the importance of all life forms. Cock fighting is wrong and should be banned around the world. These animals are not ours to put in a ring to fight to the death. These animals want to live just as much as you or me. Jeez a bug will run if threatened. PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND MANKIND IS NOT THE ONLY LIFEFORM TO BE CHERISHED. IF WE DON"T PROTECT THEM THEN WE ARE TOAST TOO. ECC 3:19 MAN HAS NO PREEMINENCE ABOVE A BEAST; FOR ALL IS VANITY.or in better words=people have no superioty over animals for it is wrong and valueless.

Posted by: Cynthia Bayne | February 9, 2008 12:23 PM

Latino culture has dozens of unique aspects to it. Most are to be celebrated and understood. I have many many Latino friends in my neigborhood and school and it is a fabulous community to live in.

However, EVERY culture has animal cruelty, in some form! Animal cruelty does not make a culture unique - all it does is lower the culture's ethical standard.

Every country on Earth has an obligation to learn how to be more peaceful and compassionate. I am grateful for PETA's honest and intelligent letter.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | February 9, 2008 01:42 PM

Yeah, we torture animals, and yeah, it's legal—so that, of course, makes it moral. And we enjoy watching the animals being tortured. Man, are we sick or what???

Tom,

It might interest you to know that some Biblical scholars interpret "dominion" to mean stewardship, not control. That means taking care of things, not abusing them.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | February 9, 2008 03:13 PM

Cerberus - 1st I am not an animal hater and I am not on the wrong blog. You don't know me, you don't what I've done to support & help animals and organizations including PETA. I am not in a HOLE (not whole) and far from being shady. And I don't need to write anything behind my ears - maybe you should carefully pay attention to what was written before you judge. What I simply am stating is that it is not proper for us to impose our views and force apologies from people who did nothing wrong in the US. This happened legally and afar and in another country. The reason that the US is viewed as this "power hungry" country is beacuse of situations like this - IMPOSING OUR VIEWS on others. We should attempt to clean up our backyard before we go cleaning someone else's (cockfighting still happens here in the US ILLEGALLY).

Posted by: Priscilla | February 9, 2008 03:45 PM

Michele, Canaduck, Cerberus & those who think that we opposing PETA to force unwarranted apologizes & who breathlessly wanna know what volunteering we've done to help people or animals... In addition to my hurricane rescued cat, I have a horse and dog, I have volunteered at the ASPCA for abused large animals (like horses). Donated money to numerous non-profit organizations (INLCUDING PETA). Donated time during the holidays to help feed the homeless. Taught children (including ESE) at a church since the age of 16 (am now 26). Have a sister that worked with vets. So before you label me as a "animal hater" ask before you pass judgement. And no I do not own any animal furs or bags or shoes. I simply do not agree imposing our views when we shouldn't. SIMPLE AS THAT.

Posted by: Priscilla | February 9, 2008 04:15 PM

It's incredible but true - these sicko wackos continue their lamentation and love song for cock fights! These people are unable to learn something positive in their lifes and are even pretending that we have to be thankful to them for unloading their crap on this blog! you have to know that cocking-up here you don't sanctify cock-fights! They are and shall always remain animal abuse - whereever they may happen in this dirty world - even in Dominican Rep! Mr Adams - since a long time i didn't read such a bullshit - you make me lough - you ignorant wanker are just serving bunk coffee - absoludicrous!

Posted by: Rosario | February 9, 2008 05:10 PM

david: reading your poor statement i'm really feeling pity for you! on one hand you're lamenting and whining about the bad situation in your country and place and on the other you are not even willing to listen what PETA and her members have to say! indulging for centuries into a lowlife style is leading people actually into these bad situations! Being poor doesn't mean to have a dirty heart - you can keep your honor and positive attitude towards all living beings and it's never too late to do that! But you are just insulting PETA without knowing anything about what you are talking! you are accusing an organization which just tries to make the right thing - and it's an animal rights organization! there are thousands of human rights organizations in this world to care about the third world - so i think that also animals have the right to be defended by some organizations! I hope that you shall change your attitude and your mean character and see the things in the right way! i'm an animal rights activist with no money but what would i tell you: if i would have that money, for sure i would come to your county and help all of you out - and i would fight against bullfights and cockfights - because you can't have a clean world in abusing a part of the other population - and even if that population is animals! so please go through all of the above peta-member statements and reflect on this issue!

Posted by: Little Drummer Boy | February 9, 2008 05:24 PM

Tom: go home with your 'dominion over animals'! what do you think? that everybody in this world is reading and following the bible? me - i'm a Krishna-conscious hindu - and for me it's forbidden to eat or use any kind of animals! so if you want to impose your killing lifestyle onto me you know what you are: a fascist!

Posted by: allegro | February 9, 2008 05:30 PM

You folks: do you know what's the meanest and dirtiest thing in the cockfighting: using razor spurs! if the animals would fight in freedom they would not even hurt each other - but the human scumbags are so criminal to force razor spurs on them! I despise every person attending such a cruel and mentally ill lowlife 'sport'!

Posted by: Harini Khanna | February 9, 2008 05:35 PM

Ed: el boxeo es un deporte libre y el hombre no es esclavo, es su decision de hacer el boxeo - pero el animal es el esclavo del hombre y non puede decir - no! el animal debe hacerlo contro su voluntad!
The animal has no free choice - it's forced into a fighting - the boxer not - he can decide if he wants to box or not - this is the difference! esta es la diferencia!!! comprendes?

Posted by: alma italiana | February 9, 2008 05:47 PM

Just for a general information: if something is legal doesn't mean that it's not criminal! History shows it and you people up-here who are indifferent towards animal suffering and just complaining about the bad situation of your country: it would be great if you would start to think......

Posted by: Takis Parmenidis | February 9, 2008 06:37 PM

Carlos: estupido cojon - no sabes leer los textos aqui? Qien es racista - tu?

Posted by: ANIMAL LIBERATION | February 9, 2008 06:50 PM

all you cockfight-defenders, lowriders and racist buffoons: here is a short historical enlightenment for you oximorons: do you know what's a latino, where this word comes from: latinus was a famous roman king - for this their language was called latin! so step number two: the latin talking romans conquered the world: france, germany, north africa, eastern europe - hence romania - there they talk the purest latin language going back to roman heritage - switzerland, where we got the famous romanch another latin dialect, great britain - there we have till nowadays the famous hadrian wall! we are also talking much latin here because english contains many latinisms etc. and they conquered spain! and as we all know, the romans had a horrible attitude; they constructed the famous anfitheatres in their whole empire! but after the fall of the roman empire this horrible attitude disappeared almost completely: except spain and portugal - there this horrible crime consisting in killing animals and at that time also people in public - lived on in the famous bullfights and cockfights! and wherever they colonized the world we find this horrible attitude of killing animals in public! there are many latinos living over the whole world and they have nowadays a normal behaviour! dominica was a spanish conquered place and hence indulging in this horrible awful crime and today every indio peon thinks that he has to 'feel this spanish heritage' which is nothing else than another shameful human stain! but instead of taking some information about the past and how to correct it you sit on your badass insulting serious websites! you - get a life! become honorable citizans correcting the misdeeds of your country - refusing such ugly despisable things! me also i'm a latino - a real one, an original one - from his original latin country - italy - which refused such horror a long time ago and is today free of all this literally said 'bullshit'! tortura no es cultura - pero una gran verguenza y sin honor y respecto!

pobre si - pero sin maligna ambicion! eso es criminal y contro Dios! iglesias y corridas y galleras - eso es un paradoxo incompatible - esas todas palabras latinas (de origen latina - italiana)
ninguno es racista aqui - somos todos latinos - pero con la diferencia que los unos han aprendido algo y los otros no! que todos piensen en mis palabras!

Posted by: octopus | February 10, 2008 12:11 PM

Allegro ...

I'm not imposing my "killing lifestyle on you" and that's the difference between me and you. If you had your way, I couldn't eat fried chicken and worship my false idol (statue of the great Kentucky Colonel). When your organization spends time promoting truly dumb ideas (removing the statue or cliaiming that chickens are 'tortured'), I just can't take any of you seriously, and to the extent you continue to be a threat to my freedom and way of life (Eating Tasty Animals), then I will oppose you at every opportunity, while still treating my dogs, cats, and horses and with love and kindness. I do nothing that impedes on your ability to worship or eat as you see fit. Please extend me the same courtesy.

Posted by: Tom | February 10, 2008 02:47 PM

PETA only cares about stories that can put them in the limelight. There are millions of "pets" around the world that are tied up on chains and left in the back yard to die. This includes dogs, cats left to run around the city, horses in muddy pastures that are foundered, and many many other animals that are treated cruelly around the U.S. and the rest of the world. But these poor animals don't put peta on television or any other media, so peta wants nothing todo with them. They want to make a case out of Pedro or any other star so they can say, "hey world, look at us!! We're going to make an example out of someone who is not doing anything illegal, so we can get on TV and every other media oppertunity!! Next week we are throwing the blood of an ANIMAL on someone wearing fur!!! Remember to Bring video camaras so we can give it to the media!!" Mean while there are "pets" being killed around the world that don't get media coverage, so peta has nothing to do with them. I would be ashamed to be a part of peta.

Posted by: tim | February 10, 2008 11:21 PM

Seriously, it's not illegal this is a non issue. Telling a baseball player about steroids and weapons? Pedro's job is to throw a ball at over 90 mph inches from a man, who is quite possibly on steroids himself, holding a wooden bat. Also I've seen far worse things happen to birds at a baseball game than will ever happen in a cockfighting ring via Randy Johnson's arm!

Posted by: Travis | February 11, 2008 01:53 AM

There is nothing wrong with cockfighting and it should be allowed. Animals are that, ANIMALS and we are humans a far superior race and breed. Go find a legitimate cause like homelessness or lack of medical care in this country.

Posted by: Mick | February 11, 2008 03:39 AM

I can't really say anything here that hasn't already been well said by Vegancakes, Mike Q, Ana, Maya and Kelly.
But I do have a question--why do almost all of the comments in support of cruelty to animals sound like they were written by elementary school children?

Posted by: Spay and neuter immediately, please | February 11, 2008 10:23 AM

Why do people come on to Peta's website to just put us down? I read post after post and it is just plain haterd towards people just trying to better the planet. Noone is saying we value human life over an animal. Human's have a voice animals don't. If you don't like it go away. Saying mean things towards us doesn't make you look any better.

Posted by: Kala | February 11, 2008 11:02 AM

To "tim" from February 10, 2008 11:21 PM:

Before you go any further with your tirade against PETA, check this out:

http://www.helpinganimals.com/ga_chained.asp

Posted by: Michele | February 11, 2008 11:23 AM

tom

Extend all of us animal advocates on an animal rights blog the same courtesy as well. Repeating the ad nauseum Eating Tasty Animals says more about you and your insipid humor. Your sarcasm detracts from any valid pov you wish to make. And yes, your lifestyle is a killing one irregardless of your inability to be honest about it. If you hate PETA and their philosophy so much why waste our time and yours on this blog. I would no sooner go to the NAACP and make stupid comments with their letters nor tell them racism is good and write about my racist behavior. Go help people if you want but don't denigrate others because their hearts are big enough to help, love and respect animals.

Travis
Take a science course. Humans are animals, and they are no more superior to the other animals than men are to women and whites are to blacks. Judging by the stupid comments made by those of your ilk, an amoeba is superior to some of you. If you are so concerned about homelessness go join a group that helps them; better yet invite homeless in your home and give them a place to eat, sleep and the time needed to help them get their lives back in order.

Posted by: Ana | February 11, 2008 12:30 PM

Really, Tim? I work for PETA and I just spent my entire Saturday taking care of chained and neglected dogs a state away. We don't get any limelight for that, so what on Earth are you talking about?

Posted by: Anonymous | February 11, 2008 12:35 PM

mick: are you a perpetuum mobile - spitting again and again the same shit without reflection? too sad for you - go to buy a heart!

Posted by: stereotype | February 11, 2008 01:10 PM

tom - mars,
you are not extending courtesy - you are spitting poison and insulting my religion - but never mind - an idiot remains an idiot....

Posted by: allegro | February 11, 2008 01:13 PM

I just think that animal cruelty SHOULD be criticized, but at the same time, we have to be smart enough to try to do something about through education and using governments and regulations instead of just whining about it so much. All this name calling and calling for heads to roll is just not the greatest thing.

Posted by: NYC | February 11, 2008 01:49 PM

Ana, way to make yourself feel important by hurling insults toward me and saying "an amoeba is superior to some of you" I'm not sure who "you" is, but if you were half as smart as you think you are, you would realize I didn't even write the post you're attacking so fervently.
P.S. Human>possum

Posted by: Travis | February 11, 2008 11:01 PM

Travis may be you're on the wrong blog!

Mick: you megalomaniac - Ana meant you - and you surely are less than an amoeba - amoebas are useful animals revolting your intestines - you are just shitting them! baaa!

Posted by: rintintin | February 12, 2008 11:13 AM

Your defense of cockfights puts you in the amoeba category. Cruelty is indefensible. And you're right, I am very intelligent. I don't have a juvenile need to feel important my only concern is to fight for justice.

Posted by: Ana | February 12, 2008 12:46 PM

Allegro ... the fact that I, a non-Krishna conscious hindu, choose to eat meat is an insult to your religion? I said I don't care who or what you worship or what you choose to eat or not eat ... that's not being discourteous. PETA's operationg principle "that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment" is in direct oppostion to my beliefs. And no I'm not going to sit by and ignore your organization's attempts to restrict my freedoms. So, I will monitor this site and your activities and respond accordingly.

Posted by: tom | February 12, 2008 01:10 PM

Tom, you sound paranoid. Either that or you work for the anti-PETA "police"... You are going to "monitor" the site and PETA's activities? You're creepy.

Posted by: Michele | February 12, 2008 10:32 PM

Ana, so how do you feel about eating animals? Also...I never called you intelligent, you can't even tell who writes what post! I consider that an extremely simple intelligence test that you failed.

Posted by: Travis | February 13, 2008 02:58 AM

tom: i'm back here in the right moment! you are no hindu! and if you want to indulge in your corpse-eating you are definitely on the wrong blog! you are a real idiot because you don't understand PETA's message and the real hindu message, krishna-conscious or not, and i think every message of a normal thinking individuum and it's sane philosophy! we are against every kind of pain infliction onto animals - and inflicting pain includes also the slaughtering of these poor abused souls! you have no philosophy - you are just following your stomach! if you got another e-mail address i just hope that the blogowner shall get rid of you as soon as possible because you are just a wanker from yesterday with nothing than some steaks and hams and no eggs! and i tell you something: i don't like liars - if you continue to lie at me i shall stay behind you until the end of this blog! i just made up my pc!

Posted by: Allegro | February 13, 2008 09:35 AM

post scriptum: tom i shall find out who is behind your mask! you are either mars or rather the cock!

Posted by: allegro | February 13, 2008 09:39 AM

tom: who gave you the right to use animals?

Posted by: FREE BURMA | February 13, 2008 12:30 PM

Send him back to his own country if that's how he is. Americans don't want his kind here. And he should not BE allowed in professional sports either.

Posted by: Chrystal Davis | February 14, 2008 11:23 AM

chrystal... who made you the dominant opionator of america???? "americans don't want him here." well guess what... i do want him here so i can enjoy his talent...

what the majority of americans don't want is to be told how to run their lives like peta and their stable of petaphiles try to do...
they want to be able to eat and wear animal products if that is thier choice...
they want to be able to go to a hospital and keep living by any means possible...

the majority of america want animals treated humanely but the human race comes frist and foremost....

Posted by: common sense steve | February 14, 2008 01:28 PM

Travis

I don't need you to recognize my intelligence; my degrees speak for me and so do my teachers. I also know I am intelligent and I thank God for such blessings.

I certainly can tell who writes what post. And your posts directed to me are getting boring because they are pointless.

I am vegan, so no, I don't eat or wear animals. Do you???

Posted by: Ana | February 14, 2008 03:46 PM

The father of newly acquired Met starting pitcher, Johann Santana was recently interviewed by the New York Daily News while attending a bull fight. Nice starting rotation Los Mets will be fielding this year.
Just as disheartening however, is the pack of marginally literate posters here, half-wittingly defending animal abuse. This mindless mantra of "It's their culture" is supposed to justify this? Genital mutilation is "culture", infanticide is "culture", slavery is "culture'. Segregation is "culture". All of the above are, or have been, protected in various societies by law, also. I suppose the "culture/legal" apologists for these practices have no problem with them?

Posted by: Bob Pomilla | February 14, 2008 03:49 PM

Really, the issue is, as Mike Q. alluded to earlier: what does deriving satisfaction from the tormenting of an animal say about someone? It indicates a certain degeneracy of character and absence of the soul, I think.

Posted by: Bob Pomilla | February 14, 2008 04:09 PM

common nonsense steve: for you the human race comes first and foremost! for me and other animal protectors humans and animals come together! if you try to impose your opinion you are a fascist!

Posted by: daylight | February 14, 2008 07:16 PM

Steve,
Apparently someone (PETA) has to tell people how to live their lives. Don't be cruel to animals. Don't beat children. Yes?
Also, it isn't clear to me how justifying a baseball player's participation in a cockfight is putting humans 'frist.'

Posted by: elphaba | February 14, 2008 08:21 PM

ANIMALS OF ANY KIND~ANYWHERE SHOULD NOT,AND I MEAN NOT BE USED FOR FIGHTING OR ANY OTHER HORIFIC SPORTING OR ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!
WHY DON'T YOU JERKS FIGHT AGAINST EACH OTHER AND KILL EACH OTHER AND LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY DON'T KNOW WHATS GOING ON, THEY CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEM SELVES, PROTECT THERE SELVES OR HELP THEM SELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU PEOPLE KNOW~ THERE FOR FIGHT AGAINST EACH OTHER AND LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE, LET THEM LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CAN'T FIND ANY THING TO DO!? AGAIN FIGHT YOUR SELVES, WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT YOU?!?!??!

Posted by: Tucker | February 15, 2008 08:31 PM

Cultures aren't static. They're constantly evolving. None of us have exactly the same culture our grandparents or even parents had. There's no excuse to perpetuate cockfighting. It's morally responsible to criticize such a horribly abusive practice.

Posted by: lynda downie | February 18, 2008 01:26 AM

Pedro Martinez:

It is not right that you decide to have God's innocent creatures fight each other. If you want to see a fight, how about YOU get thrown into a dog fighting pit.
Will that make you feel any better? Or do you just like to watch and not be the one to suffer?

PEDRO MARTINEZ YOU ARE A SICK, VILE CREATURE AND YOU COMPLETELY DISGUST ME!

Posted by: Ver | February 19, 2008 10:06 PM

Good for PETA. At least they're trying to do something good. And that crap about it being part of the culture of those third world toilets is a weak excuse at best for cruelty to animals.

Posted by: Robert Wayne | April 16, 2008 06:20 AM

hey!!!!
stop this nonsense!!!!
fighting roosters are the only animal that doesnt feel pain.
i grew up in a culture that cock fighting is a sport.
all of you people that thinks chicken fighting is cruel,try watching them getting slaughtered for food...now tell me whats up?!!! stupid.

Posted by: sabong | April 21, 2008 01:13 AM