PAC ruffling feathers of local cockfighters as federal ban nears

An off-island political action committee against animal cruelty is making its presence known as a federal ban on cockfighting in the territories looms large.

They're offering rewards, encouraging people to snitch on anyone who is cockfighting on Guam after Dec. 20 - that's when a federal ban on cockfighting in the American territories starts.

Today they released a survey saying 60% of residents oppose cockfighting and 60% of Guam residents support a fed ban on rooster fighting.

They've also hired a local advertising agency to handle their media work.

Who are they? They are Animal Wellness Action, a Washington, D.C. based political action committee. founded by Wayne Pacelle, a former head of the Humane Society of United States.

According to the New York Times, Pacelle resigned as head of the Humane Society after allegations of sexual harassment and assault were raised against him.

The Washington Post also reported that Pacelle was accused of allegedly kissing a former employee against her will, another former employee said he asked to masturbate in front of her and offered to perform oral sex on her. Pacelle denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, his stateside PAC is offering $2,500 rewards to locals "for any individual who provides critical information that results in a successful federal conviction" for anyone who violates federal animal fighting laws.

In a release, the PAC said this "rewards program" is concentrated on the US territories, where the fed ban goes into effect next Friday.
The ban blitz has many local cockfighters bitter about the feds making laws that we have no say in.

Walter Stiernagle is a long-time cocker.

"Wow, it's really going to hurt us cockfighters," he told KUAM News. "I don't know why the federal government has to interfere with our culture. Look at the Indians, they can have a casino and stuff - whatever they want. Why not us CHamorus have our cockfighting that is our culture I don't see any of their business in it."

Local cockfighters are wondering how the federal government will enforce the ban, especially since Guam law now says enforcing the cockfighting ban shall be the "lowest priority."

KUAM confirmed that Pacelle has made attempts to speak with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero - but Adelup policy director Carlo Branch tells us there has been no change in the administration's stance - which is basically to ignore the federal law making fighting cocks a crime.
Stiernagle, like many other local cockers, says the feds should prioritize because they have a lot on their plate.

"I really wonder why they're so worried about cockfighting when there's a lot of other things they should worry about, crimes and stuff that should take priority," he said. "I just wonder why they're spending so much to catch us cockfighters it's our culture. Leave us alone."

According to the farm bill that contains the cocking ban, fines of up to $250,000 and the seizures of cash and property are possible penalties for illegal cockfighters.

We stopped by this chicken feed store and the workers told us they've already begun taking cockfighting-related items off the shelves in anticipation of the ban.

Meanwhile, Animal Wellness Action's survey results say 90% of those surveyed believe Guam's animal cruelty laws should be strengthened.

"The people of Guam don't support staged fights between animals, they are appalled by the idea that people attach knives to the rooster's legs and watch them hack each other to death," Pacelle said in the release.