In the US state of Texas 176 people including 15 children have been arrested for involvement into an illegal cock fighting betting ring or animal cruelty. Cock fighting is a criminal act in 39 states and a misdemeanor in the other 11 states.

The children arrested where between the ages of  7 to 15 and where watching the cockfights with their parents. Even though cockfighting is a criminal act in the US, it is one of the most popular illegal forms of gambling in the country. Supporters of cockfighting say it is a sport based on the natural behaviour of the animal, but opponents like the Humane Society say its is brutal and cruel and has nothing to do with sport. Owners of the birds of the feed their birds steroids or other supplements, to make the animal more aggressive. Sometimes owners will attach razors to the animals feet, to ensure a deadly outcome of the fight. Authorities say that besides 115 roosters, police found illegal drugs at the site. Marijuana, cocaine and other drugs where found on the premises, police also took in evidence on the cockfighting ring. Magazines razors and dead roosters where also found. 2010 Starts with the continuation of the gambling crackdown, although we too think cockfighting is a cruel act.