In Madagascar, Cockfi ghting Is Seen As A Means Of Making Lots Of Quick Money (PHOTOS)

In a country where poverty is in widespread, traditional sports -- cockfighting is seen as a way to make lots of money very quickly. People spend large sums breeding the birds and stand a chance of winning big if their roosters win fights regularly.

Often, wealthy men bet cars and houses during cockfights between their roosters. The residents of Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, usually gather for their weekly cockfighting competitions. Cockfighting is said to be one of the world's oldest spectator sports. Although it is illegal and considered cruel in many countries, in Madagascar it dates back to the 18th century, when it served as entertainment for the royal family, and is still very popular today

Due to the recent economic stagnation due to political unrest, people view the weekly cockfights as a way of earning extra money.

The birds are naturally aggressive to one another but in the ring this is exaggerated as they have been trained to fight. See more photos below...

A man shows off his rooster as he waits for an opponent.

It can take between a few months to a year to have a bird ready for combat. This depends on the owner who will decide when he feels the bird is ready for a competitive fight. With prices as high as $500 for a bird and $50-$100 per month to maintain the birds in top condition, taking part in the sport costs much more than many Malagasy can afford.

Cockfights can last up to 90 minutes and the first rooster to leave the ring or run away from his opponent loses the fight. The government receives tax money from the total stakes of the fights as well as levying income tax on the owners of the velodromes where the fights take place.

Too bad! Despite its biological and cultural richness, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world.

People from all walks of life attend the weekly fights.

Source: Aljazeera

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