Cockfighting Breeders in Quintana Roo Decry Political Abandonment, Economic Loss

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — Cockfighting breeders in this municipality say the prohibition of their tradition has devastated a local economic chain and forced them to relocate events to neighboring Yucatan, where the practice remains legal.

Freddy Arias, a breeder of fighting roosters, lamented the lack of political support and what he described as politicians’ fear of defending cockfighting, a tradition he called deeply rooted in José María Morelos. He said the activity was a pillar of local festivities such as the Expomor fair, where cockfights were halted during the first term of former mayor Eric Borges Yam.

“We have to go to Yucatan to hold our events,” Arias said. “There, municipal and state police ensure the events run smoothly, guaranteeing safety for locals and for those of us who travel from Quintana Roo.”

Arias emphasized the economic impact of the ban, noting that cockfighting supports a wide chain of local commerce: feed sellers, cage makers, caretakers, and people who trim feathers for the birds’ appearance. He said the prohibition has halted a financial dynamic that was vital for many families in the municipality and across Quintana Roo.

He blamed the Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) for the disappearance of the tradition and expressed opposition to the so-called Fourth Transformation (4T) coalition. “Because of political interests and alliances between the Green Party, Morena, and the Labor Party, I see it as very difficult for legislation to ever favor us again,” Arias said.

In contrast to Quintana Roo, Arias highlighted the facilities and security found in Yucatan, where cockfighting is permitted. He said that in Yucatan, local and state police oversee the proper development of events, allowing the local economy to remain active.

Arias also defended the care given to fighting roosters compared to other domestic animals. “In any cockfighting pit in Morelos or Yucatan, the animals receive meticulous attention,” he said. “They are often better cared for than stray dogs or dogs tied up in homes.” He reiterated the importance of reconsidering current legislation to rescue the tradition.