Fighting Bettas?

[masta_2009]

Is it illegal to fight bettas? I know a few fish fanatics may argue it is morally wrong, but is it actually against the law?

In the UK-
I know cock fighting/ dog fighting/ bear baiting and now fox hunting is illegal but if someone was thinking of ways of raising money and thought about organising a legal gambling event (like a boxing match where money is exchanged for the winning fighter)

The fish doesn't have to actually die (although on occasions it might) but once a clear winner can be seen the fish can be removed and left to recouperate.

I would have thought is is not illegal seeing as the law doesn't appear to take into account causing suffering to fish. (otherwise wouldn't fishng also be banned?)

There are reports on the internet stating that fish do not have the ability to feel pain.

(edited to depersonalise argument)

 

[flautist]

I don't know if you are just trolling or not.

It's probably not illegal, but of COURSE it is wrong! Have you ever kept a fish? Have you ever seen one that is sick? They DO feel pain... all it takes is a 2 second observation of a sick fish to see that!

Also, Bettas do not full out attack each other. They nip and tear at each other's fins until they can't swim anymore, and the wounds are so bad they die of infection.

How about you put yourself in a ring with someone who isn't going to kill you, they'll just slowly tear your arms and legs off? That's what you're planning on doing to these poor bettas. And, at least if you do it, you CHOSE to do it.

 

[BettaBum873]

Not only is fighting physically wrong for the fish, its morally wrong. No animal should be made to fight and risk its life just so you can make a few lousy dollars. Whoever said fish can't feel pain is horribly wrong. Of course they can feel pain just like any other living creature. I don't know and don't care if fighting fish is leagal, its cruel and should never be done!!!

 

[masta_2009]

not trolling-

genuinely interested in the legalaties in it-

However sick some might find it there will be a market there to exploit IF it is legal. Where theres a way to make money someone will try it.....

it can be no more harmful than sticking a hook in a trouts mouth, dragging it out of the water after a 5 minute battle, leaving it it a net til it is exausted, being handled to weigh it then ripping the hook out and throwing it back.

 

[BettaBum873]

It's just different. Bettas are extremely intelligent, curious and fun pets. Before you fight and kill them, Keep one as a pet.

 

[flautist]

not trolling-

genuinely interested in the legalaties in it-

However sick some might find it there will be a market there to exploit IF it is legal. Where theres a way to make money someone will try it.....

it can be no more harmful than sticking a hook in a trouts mouth, dragging it out of the water after a 5 minute battle, leaving it it a net til it is exausted, being handled to weigh it then ripping the hook out and throwing it back.

I know. I also think fishing just for sport is wrong.

 

[wuvmybetta]

it can be no more harmful than sticking a hook in a trouts mouth, dragging it out of the water after a 5 minute battle, leaving it it a net til it is exausted, being handled to weigh it then ripping the hook out and throwing it back.

Well when you put it like that....

But seriously, this topic better stay clean and to the point or I will lock it. I can't answer your question, I know fish don't really have many rights here in the US
But, you should also question your own morality before embarking on such a venture. Those overseas who do fight their fish also treat their fish like kings among men. They use fish that are bred and raised for fighting. So don't expect a quick $$$ because prized fighter stock can run up to and beyond $200, and if you don't care for the fish properly, or give him a daily work out, and he loses, you lose too.

I think it's something you should think long and hard about before you even consider it. Here's a good site for reading material.
http/www.plakatthai.com/

 

[Animation]

Theese kind of topics are set up to cause mass arguments in which i am not getting involved with,
Different people have different oppinions, You can NEVER stop that,
All i am saying- I think it would be best if this topic is locked by an admin.

James

 

[wuvmybetta]

Theese kind of topics are set up to cause mass arguments in which i am not getting involved with,
Different people have different oppinions, You can NEVER stop that,
All i am saying- I think it would be best if this topic is locked by an admin.

James

I'm extremely open minded on the subject and willing to give the topic a chance. But just one chance as we've gone over this time and time again. Just not on this level.

 

[Animation]

I suppose nobody is getting rowdy about it! (Yet)
I personally have mixed feelings on the subject- I believe that it is nature for them to fight just like lions will do when they wish to take over the pride. However sometimes i feel it is wrong for it to be forced upon them- I have personally never fought mine or seen a fight but i do not dislike those whom enjoy to fight their bettas or watch them fight.

As for wether it is legal/illegal i really do not know but i'm sure you will get away with it whichever you choose!
But like Wuv said i belive you should really research this topic- perhaps visit crackers website as i believe he fights them.

Either Way,
Good Luck
James

 

[_cRaCkEr_]

I'm a Betta fighter for many years but I don't recommend you doing this if you don't have ample knowledge in Fighting Bettas.

If you really need to raise some $$$ why not buy a pair and breed them and sell the offsprings. All you need to do is to put some $$$ as your investment, time and a lot of tanks plus knowledge.

If you can produce 200 fry and sell it for $1 each then you can raise $200 from them. You get the $$$ and you made someone happy.

If you need some help regarding breeding and taking care of them, I'm sure people here are more than willing to help you.

Brian

 

[masta_2009]

I have no intention of fighting bettas- I have one of my own and would be gutted should anything happen to him.

he was one of my 1st tropical fish, but i was debating this with a collegue of mine and thought it would be interesting to start a controversial debate.

Please note this isn't trolling as SOME people may genuinely see this loophole in the law as an opportunity to make easy money.

 

[lljdma06]

I'm a Betta fighter for many years but I don't recommend you doing this if you don't have ample knowledge in Fighting Bettas.

If you really need to raise some $$$ why not buy a pair and breed them and sell the offsprings. All you need to do is to put some $$$ as your investment, time and a lot of tanks plus knowledge.

If you can produce 200 fry and sell it for $1 each then you can raise $200 from them. You get the $$$ and you made someone happy.

If you need some help regarding breeding and taking care of them, I'm sure people here are more than willing to help you.

Brian

I was wondering when you'd jump in here, Cracker. I agree with Wuv, the people overseas that keep fighters really know what they are doing and these fish are treated very well. I know where I come from, cock-fighting and dog fighting are illegal and heavily prosecuted, but I'm not sure about fish.

If you really wanted your question answered Masta, I would ask the local authorities or animal protection services and see if they can point you in the direction of a statutes book regarding animal welfare or something of that nature.

I am in no way expressing any positive or negative view on this subject, I am just trying to point Masta in a possible direction where he can possibly answer his own question.

 

[soritan]

As far as I know, it isn't illegal in the USA to fight fish, and I don't believe fish are protected by most animal laws.

I do see that you're trying to start a debate, but you aren't really doing it proper.

A debate is the crossing of differing points of view on a topic, but your 'debate starter' isn't a proper 'debate starter', it's a yes or no question.


A forum filled with pet owners will generally be inclined to cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war at such a question. We have a few notable people (_C) who fight fish, but our understanding of their practices seems to show them as responsible, intelligent people who are far richer than I myself am.

 

[_cRaCkEr_]

I'm a Betta fighter for many years but I don't recommend you doing this if you don't have ample knowledge in Fighting Bettas.

If you really need to raise some $$$ why not buy a pair and breed them and sell the offsprings. All you need to do is to put some $$$ as your investment, time and a lot of tanks plus knowledge.

If you can produce 200 fry and sell it for $1 each then you can raise $200 from them. You get the $$$ and you made someone happy.

If you need some help regarding breeding and taking care of them, I'm sure people here are more than willing to help you.

Brian

I was wondering when you'd jump in here, Cracker. I agree with Wuv, the people overseas that keep fighters really know what they are doing and these fish are treated very well. I know where I come from, cock-fighting and dog fighting are illegal and heavily prosecuted, but I'm not sure about fish.

If you really wanted your question answered Masta, I would ask the local authorities or animal protection services and see if they can point you in the direction of a statutes book regarding animal welfare or something of that nature.

I am in no way expressing any positive or negative view on this subject, I am just trying to point Masta in a possible direction where he can possibly answer his own question.

Here in my country Cockfighting is a sport and being acknowledge anywhere here, we hold the world's biggest cock fighting derby.

For fish and dog fighting we don't have a certain law that prohibits it as well. I would like to hear from your end about fish fighting.

Thanks,

Brian