US Man Risks Prison, $250K Fine for Hosting Rooster Fights

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Spectators witness cockfighting during the May Day celebrations in Tongguan county, Yunnan province, China.

An American man has pleaded guilty to orchestrating heinous rooster fights in Rhode Island, a crime that could lead to a five-year prison sentence and over $250,000 in fines.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Onill Vazquez Lozada of Providence confessed to owning and promoting deadly cockfights in 2021 and 2022.

Authorities emphasized that these were not typical rural contests. The roosters were outfitted with sharp blades strapped to their legs, replacing their natural spurs, and forced to fight to the death or until one surrendered.

These brutal blood sports are deemed not only inhumane but also serious federal offenses in the United States. Lozada’s sentencing is scheduled for July 29, where he could face a hefty fine of $250,000 for each charge, amounting to more than $70 million in Pakistani currency.

Cockfighting is prohibited throughout the U.S. due to its violent and cruel nature, with the birds attacking each other mid-air using metal spurs attached to their bodies.