VETERINARIAN STRAIN LEADS FIGHT IN HOUSE FOR COCKFIGHTING
Louisiana Political News Service

NEWS STAR EDITORIAL
(excerpt)

Suspend for a moment in your mind all of the reasons to let cockfighting continue in Louisiana, even for a few months, and consider what cockfighting entails: training aggressive birds to maim and kill, attaching metal claws to their bodies and exhorting the birds to do bloody violence to each other, oftentimes to the death. The fighting birds — they can cost $1,000 to purchase — are bred to become the "pit bulls of the poultry world," a representative of the Humane Society of the United States told The News-Star. Cockfighting are sights for illegal gambling, and the practice can encourage numerous other illegal activities, including racketeering. Is there any wonder why such a practice horrifies normal, well-adjusted people in most places, including the other 49 states?

Small wonder, then, that at least nine Louisiana parishes, sickened by this cruel practice, have banned it. Elected officials in Caddo, Bossier, Beauregard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Orleans, Lafayette, East Baton Rouge and St. Bernard parishes have shown enough humane leadership that they've taken action against cockfighting. It's time for the Legislature to do the same.

LPNS COMMENTARY: SO WHY IS IT THAT AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER BOB ODOM AND AG CANDIDATE MIKE STRAIN WANT TO PROLONG THIS GRISLY, REPULSIVE SPORT?

REP. STRAIN, A VETERINARIAN BY TRADE SHOULD BE RELIEVED OF HIS LICENSE. DID HE FORGET THE OATH HE SWORE OR DID HE JUST GET CAUGHT UP IN BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE CAPITOL?

Veterinarian's Oath:

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.