End cockfighting scourge

An ongoing cockfighting investigation in South Carolina so far has charged 21 people with violations of federal law, each facing potential penalties of five years and fines of $25,000. Comparable offenses under state law carry penalties of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. The disparity is obvious, and indicates the need for a tougher state response to the blood sport.

So far, the state Legislature has been reluctant to put cockfighting in the same category as dog-fighting, which is a felony. The extent to which cockfighting is an established commercial enterprise says that lawmakers need to take another look. The state can't depend on federal law enforcement to eliminate cockfighting in South Carolina.

The 13-month investigation involves the U.S. Attorney, the state Attorney General, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But the essential undercover work has been done by officers with the state Department of Natural Resources. The investigation has focused on cockfighting operations in Williamsburg and Lexington counties.

Defendants charged by federal officials face prosecution for operating an unlawful animal fighting venture and an illegal gambling business, and for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. Another 36 were charged Friday under state law.

"Cockfighting is a crime that leaves an ugly scar on our community," Attorney General Henry McMaster said. "The criminal underworld surrounding it is a haven for drugs, violence, and gambling."

Cockfighting adherents dispute that portrayal, saying that it is a sport with a long tradition in this state and is not accompanied by criminal activities such as drugs and violence that are associated with dog- fighting.

Typically, gamecocks are equipped with razor-sharp spurs and will fight to the death when matched against each other. A report in our newspaper provides evidence of what the cockfighting experience offers youngsters:

An undercover officer reported that he saw a 13-year-old boy kill a rooster by hitting it against a tree after it was determined that the animal didn't have any "fight" left in it.

That incident reportedly happened in Lexington County on a farm with several cockfighting pits, seats, a scoreboard and a concession stand. The same location had earlier been investigated in conjunction with the cockfighting case brought against former S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Charles Sharpe in 2004. (Mr. Sharpe served two years in federal prison for his involvement in a cockfighting ring.) The state's comparatively lax laws governing cockfighting help explain the apparent longevity of such an establishment.

Mr. McMaster sought to have cockfighting designated as a felony in 2005, along with dog fighting, but failed to get the necessary legislative support. Penalties were increased, but cockfighting remains a misdemeanor.

This case underscores the extent to which cockfighting remains a viable, established enterprise in South Carolina. It's time for the Legislature to recognize that fact and take the steps necessary for its eradication.