Cockfighting Fans in La. Say Goodbye

Louisiana became the last state to outlaw cockfighting today, and fans of the activity are mourning the loss of what they see as a cultural pastime, reports the Washington Post. Animal rights supporters praise the crackdown, but cockfight enthusiasts say the law will just push the show underground. Says one cockfighter: "We ain't barbaric and we ain't hurting nobody."

Devotees of cockfighting in Louisiana cite its long history and many fans—including Abe Lincoln—in arguing that it should be legal. "I'm going to just go underground," says a Vierman ver who opposes the ban. "Fight them here and yonder. If they come to take them, I'm going to die." (More cockfighting stories.)