A package from Mexico was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Cincinnati Port of Entry on May 3. The inspection revealed 10 pairs of leather cockspur covers and 10 cockfighting knife sheaths.
The parcel, destined for a location in Corsica, Texas, was declared as "20 articles for birds." These items are prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which was enacted in 1966 to regulate animal treatment in exhibitions. The shipment also breached Title 7 U.S. Code 2156, which prohibits the trade of instruments used in animal fighting ventures. Furthermore, cockfighting has been illegal across all U.S. territories since the Farm Act's enactment in 2018.
"The improper manifesting of contraband as a harmless or legitimate commodity is a common tactic used by some ill-intended importers to elude further examination," stated LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations-Chicago Field Office. "However, CBP officers are trained and vigilant in the detection of those types of tricks and work hard to make sure these prohibited items stay out of our communities."
Cockfighting spurs and sheaths serve to cover blades tied to birds' legs during fights where they attempt to incapacitate their opponent. These tools pose such danger that handlers risk injury from their own birds without protective measures.
CBP regularly inspects international flights arriving and departing while intercepting narcotics, weapons, currency, banned agricultural products, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items at the country's 328 international ports.
For more updates from CBP follow @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago on Twitter or visit CBP’s YouTube channel for insights into how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures national borders.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves as America's frontline with over 65,000 personnel safeguarding the nation through land, air, and sea operations ensuring secure travel and trade while promoting economic prosperity through innovative strategies.
