Congress moves to ban cockfighting in US territories
Congress moves to ban cockfighting in US territories
Danica Coto, Associated Press
Updated 5:23 pm CST, Wednesday, December 12, 2018
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Congress on Wednesday gave final passage to legislation that would shut down legal cockfights in U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ending an institution dating from the colonial era that generates millions of dollars each year.
Opponents of the measure approved by the House said it will have a devastating effect on the islands' economies, noting that in Puerto Rico alone the cockfighting industry generates some $18 million a year and employs some 27,000 people.
"We're all going crazy. Everybody is desperate," said 86-year-old Angel Ortiz, who owns a cockfighting ring in the city of Bayamon. "There are so many people who make a living off of this."
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello traveled to Washington to demand that the island be excluded, but he arrived too late. Legislators unexpectedly moved up the vote and approved the bill, which already passed the Senate.
More:
https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Congress-moves-to-ban-cockfighting-in-US-13461663.php
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https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142221891