There are some pretty brutal things that take place behind-the-scenes in almost all parts of the world. In some areas of the world, however, the level of animal cruelty goes to unprecedented levels. That is the case in some parts of the Philippines, as they regularly engage in illegal cockfight. This type of fight is not very common in the United States, but it is common in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, it also took the life of a police officer, Lieut. Christian Bolk.
The Lieutenant was attempting to break up the illegal cockfight in the Philippines when the death occurred. At times, roosters in those fights will wear a gaff, which is a metal blade that is attached to the bird to help them gain an advantage during the fight. While the police officer was attempting to confiscate the bird, the gaff sliced his femoral artery and he ended up losing a lot of blood before they were able to get him to the hospital. There was nothing that the doctors could do.
“He was rushed to the provincial hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival due to heavy blood loss,” said police according to CNN. “I have a heavy heart as we have lost a brother who sacrificed his own life in the name of service,” read a statement sent to the government-run Philippines News Agency by Northern Samar police provincial director Arnel Apud. “The (Philippine National Police) grieves the untimely death of Lt. Bolok and extends its deepest sympathy to his family and relatives.”
The illegal cockfight held in the Philippines are known as ‘tupada’ and they are often held in hidden locations so the police don’t find out. Many regions in the Philippines banned the sport back in August, particularly when they were hearing about large crowds gathering and the possibility for coronavirus infections. Three people were arrested at the event but there were other suspects that were able to escape and are at large. $11 in pesos were also confiscated, along with seven fighting roosters.
I agree. To see the trauma inflicted on the dogs is heartbreaking. We rescued a bait dog and took him awhile to trust and relax. Sweetest dog and smart.
— Be Active (@frobelcat) October 28, 2020
It is extremely rare for humans to be killed by roosters but it’s not the first time that it took place. An elderly woman in South Australia was pecked to death. The 76-year-old woman was collecting eggs on her farm when the bird acted her swollen leg veins and she ended up dying. It wasn’t during a fight, but the results were disastrous.
According to medical records, “The decedent’s past medical history included treated hypertension, hyperlipidemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and varicose veins. The bird pecked her lower left leg causing significant hemorrhage with collapse and death,” read the report. “This case demonstrates that even relatively small domestic animals may be able to inflict lethal injuries in individuals if there are specific vascular vulnerabilities present.”
A woman in Australia was killed by a rooster who pecked at her leg, puncturing a varicose vein that hemorrhaged and caused her death. https://t.co/ccE0lRljoi
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) September 4, 2019
“The case is significant as it draws attention to the vulnerability of elderly folk with varicose veins to minor trauma, even from a rooster peck. Lethal rooster attacks are very rare, but small animals can cause death from trauma,” Byard told USA Today. Just two big pecks caused the woman to bleed to death even before an ambulance to reach her. “At autopsy, the major findings were limited to the lower left leg which was covered with adherent dried blood,” the paper continued reading. He also added, “Those with varicose veins should be treated so a situation like this does not happen.” The study finally urged people to be cautious of animals no matter how small or big they are. “Treat all animals, even small ones with respect,” said Byard adding, “If you have varicose veins have them treated. If you have them untreated be very careful of minor injuries.”