Group With Cockfighting Ties Gets Tax Break From Federal Government

[Judi Lynn]

Group With Cockfighting Ties Gets Tax Break From Federal Government
By Malia Rulon Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 13, 2003


HARRISON, Ohio (AP) - Bob Hilsercop owns 30 gamecocks, roosters bred for their aggression in the cockfighting pits. For Hilsercop, it's just a hobby.
He no longer participates in cockfighting, which is banned in all but two states. But like other members of the Ohio-based United Gamefowl Breeders Association, he has sold many birds to buyers in places such as Guam, where cockfighting is legal.

Now the association, with about 15,000 members in 28 states, is in a battle to retain its tax-exempt status as a federally sanctioned agricultural organization. Animal rights groups opposed to cockfighting are urging the government to revoke that status.

"You cannot separate the breeding from the fighting," said Wayne Pacelle, senior vice president of the Humane Society of the United States. "The purpose of raising the birds is to fight them. There is no legitimate agricultural activity occurring."

The Internal Revenue Service says agricultural organizations include groups that cultivate land, harvest crops or aquatic resources, or raise livestock. The agency confirmed it had received the Humane Society's complaint but couldn't say if it was investigating.
(snip/...)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20031013-0646-fightingcockfighting.html

[Guaranteed]

1. Psssh

I'm surprised Bush hasn't been having cockfights on the White House lawn.

[JM]

2. He can't...

...Sphinctorum would spout off against them as homosexual.

Later,
JM

[WillParkinson]

3. Not possible...

Gotta have one before you can fight with it.