As many SHARK supporters know, we have been frustrated for years by the inaction of the Kentucky State Police when it comes to barbaric, illegal cockfighting. At times KSP officers aren't just inactive - they actually protect the criminals.
With numerous Kentucky State Police posts absolutely refusing to do their jobs, SHARK, along with Washington D.C. based Animal Wellness Action and the California-based Humane Farming Association, have sent a letter asking for an independent investigation into the Kentucky State Police.
Over fifty humane organizations, including organizations based in Kentucky, have signed on to the letter.
This letter was sent to three entities - Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky Attorney General David Cameron, and Secretary Kerry Harvey. So far, only Attorney General Cameron's Office has even acknowledged the letter, and none of the addressees have, as yet, responded.
Now we are reaching out to get even more groups and individuals to sign onto our letter. We are looking for worldwide participation. If need be, we will make Kentucky a pariah, not just to the rest of the country, but the entire world.
We are asking both humane groups and individuals alike, everywhere and anywhere, to take a stand against this corruption by signing onto the letter asking for an independent investigation into the Kentucky State Police. This is your opportunity to stand up against corruption.
There is far more at stake than the hundreds of thousands of birds who are tortured for the casual pleasure and illegal betting of the criminals. Roosters bred for cockfighting pose a high risk for catching and transmitting Avian Flu, due to being raised in the elements, with poor biosecurity. These roosters are moved extensively and are exposed to other birds during cockfighting events.
Cockfighters don’t put just their own birds at risk - they also endanger wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, swine, horses, dogs, bats and even humans.
As of April 26, 2023 the number of poultry, both commercial and backyard flocks, that have died due to the rampant Avian Flu is more than 58 million birds! One can argue that these animals would have been killed for food anyway, but all of them are going to be replaced, which means 58 million additional birds will suffer and die!
There are laws in place, making cockfighting, and the breeding, selling and shipping of animals for fighting purposes federally illegal, and by state law in all 50 states and US territories. However, these laws aren’t enough when the law enforcement agencies like the Kentucky State Police are corrupt.
If we don’t make sure that these laws are enforced, we may as well never try to get another law passed ever again. What is the point if there is no enforcement?
We have to work together to make this investigation happen. Animal protection organizations need to work together to achieve success. Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, Animal Wellness Action and the Humane Farming Association, and more than fifty groups are already pulling together, and we want you to join our efforts.
If you have worked with us in the past, then you know we are serious, and we can get the job done. Please reach out!
Read the letter sent to Governor Beshear here.
