In response to concerns surrounding his 2016 citation for animal cruelty involving cockfighting, mayoral candidate Robert Watts spoke with the Coopertown Times to provide his perspective. “All charges were dismissed without prejudice,” Watts said. “There is no story here. Someone didn’t like people gathering and showing birds.” He dismissed claims from news reports that mentioned dead and live roosters at the event, asserting that drugs, not animal cruelty, were involved
When pressed about his stance on cockfighting, Watts clarified, “I support the preservation of gamefowl, not the misrepresentation of them.” He explained that gamefowl, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, are often misunderstood. “The Webster dictionary version of gamefowl is a complete misrepresentation! Gamefowl are not a domestic breed of fowl. Gamefowl are a fowl that have been ɓred from wild jungle fowl for their vibrant color and yes for their aggressive territorial nature” not for domestic cockfighting as many assume, Watts stated. He added, “When I was young my dad raised and fought roosters, as did many, many more of my family and friends, as well as many people I still know today do. So I have seen both sides of the scene. I do believe it could have a beneficial place in society if and only if it were done correctly. Meaning regulations, monitoring, and testing of all fowl. So in short. Under a more controlled and regulated situation I would be in support of it. It is currently illegal to fight them in all 50 states. It is legal to raise and show for preservation in all 50 states. They are judged on color, confirmation, leg, wing, and head station, also breed alignment! The practice is forbidden now due to people not willing to understand the breed! And not willing to understand the long heritage behind it!”
Adding fuel to the fire is his Facebook profile cover photo, which depicts four U.S. presidents alongside a rooster, with the caption, “USA Founded by freedom-loving cockfighters.”
Regarding his Facebook cover photo, which features cockfighting imagery, Watts explained, “I have a lot of friends that still go to Mexico where it is legal. And as i said if it was regulated with restrictions and testing. And a lot more understanding from most people I believe it could have a place in today’s society. But it would take a few generations to even begin to get those regulations in place.”
Watts also shared that he no longer shows gamefowl competitively. “I don’t even show them anymore! It’s too hard to raise them and keep all the varmints from killing them. I try to raise enough just to hear and see them. I think with hens and roosters total I have 15 and when they die of old age or from predators I wont own another one,” he said, reflecting on his connection to the heritage of gamefowl.
Despite any controversy, Watts remains open to further dialogue, stating, “I’m open to talk anytime.”
