Top 10 Cruel blood sports

Top 10 Cruel blood sports

Even in the contemporary era, the remnants of barbarism persist within society. Blood sports, with their cruel treatment of animals, maintain a disheartening popularity. From the abhorrent act of hurling wildlife into the air to the pursuit of foxes with hounds, some individuals continue to derive perverse enjoyment from the suffering of creatures. Yet, this cycle of cruelty seldom goes without retribution. Presented below, in ascending order of abhorrence, are ten of the most heinous instances of animal cruelty, along with the fitting retribution faced by participants.

Starting at the tenth spot, we encounter the gruesome practice known as "Fox Tossing." As the name implies, this activity involved pairs of participants, often couples, stationed across from one another within a confined arena. Each held an end of a rope, slack against the ground. A captive fox or other wild creature would then be unleashed, and when the animal traversed the rope, participants would yank it upwards, flinging the animal into the air. Allegedly, these creatures would ascend to staggering heights, sometimes exceeding 20 feet, leading to bone-shattering impacts upon landing. If the unfortunate animal survived the fall, it would either scramble to escape or retaliate against its tormentors. This twisted form of amusement often took on a festive air, featuring numerous participants, a multitude of animals, and even extravagant attire.

However, not all evaded the consequences of their participation. In 1648, for instance, King Augustus II of Poland organized a grand fox tossing spectacle, resulting in the tragic demise of 647 foxes, 533 hares, 34 badgers, and 21 cats. This display of callousness highlighted his disturbing attachment to this activity. By the end of his rule, Poland's prominence had markedly dwindled. The nation relinquished its status as a European power, and despite his aspirations, he failed to establish a robust monarchy for his successor. Sadly, it took nearly another century and a half before the act of fox tossing was finally outlawed, marking the conclusion of this deplorable episode in history.

Number 9 introduces us to "throwing," also recognized as "thrashing," "block running," or "throwing at the old British Pastime." This revolting practice entailed pelting animals with sticks until they perished. Sometimes the victims were hens, with their type being inconsequential. However, these animals were cruelly tethered to a stake by a single leg, a practice widely deemed unsportsmanlike even during that era. Officially, it was this unsporting nature that led to its prohibition. In reality, the aristocratic enthusiasts of fox hunting and game shooting found the practice too unsuitable. By the conclusion of the 18th century, this repugnant sport had vanished. Numerous accounts of throwers receiving their comeuppance are available, frequently involving wayward projectiles. For instance, in 1766, children missed their mark in a churchyard, inadvertently striking a passing woman. Additionally, a riot erupted in Dublin in 1753 when soldiers expressed their distaste for the activity.

Number 8 brings us to "Goose Pulling." If you've ever wondered about the ill-temper of geese, the centuries-old tradition of goose pulling offers insight. Prevailing primarily on the Iberian Peninsula but extending across Europe, this practice involved galloping on horseback towards a goose suspended from a rope and attempting to decapitate it. While present-day versions often use deceased or even artificial geese, the Basque fishing town of Lekitio only ceased using live birds in 2005. In this town, participants, both men and women, would leap from boats towards a goose suspended over the harbor. While records of mishaps are scant, a 17th-century Dutch poet recalled a fatal knife fight during one such event. Although goose pulling utilizing live birds was outlawed beyond Lekitio in the 1920s, the hissing geese are unlikely to forgive humanity any time soon.

Number 7 introduces us to the gruesome act of "Human Baiting." This savage practice involved combat between a human and an animal, often a dog. The most infamous case occurred in 1874 when a dwarf of remarkable strength named Brummy engaged in a fight against a bulldog named Physic. The bout unfolded in Victorian England, though the American press also reported on it. Both participants were tethered to the wall to enable attacks while allowing them to retreat. Brummy fought on all fours, mostly unclothed except for trousers. The objective was not necessarily to kill, but to incapacitate the opponent for a designated time period, rendering them unfit to fight for 60 seconds. Brummy, full of arrogance, claimed that no dog, even a bulldog, could overcome a man. He taunted his canine adversary by hissing and making faces, inciting the dog into a frenzy. Despite Brummy being the crowd favorite, the dog ultimately won. Nonetheless, Brummy's life was far from serene, fraught with grudges and legal troubles. Other instances of human baiting led to more decisive retribution. In 1877, two inebriated men were arrested for tormenting a dog in a kennel. One of the men, armed only with his trousers and a knife, battled the dog for 20 minutes before the police intervened. The fighter's arm was left mauled and bleeding, resulting in a 21-day prison sentence for both men. Another occasion involved a gentleman fighting a bulldog, narrowly escaping a disemboweled fate.

At Number 6, we delve into the bizarre realm of "Octopus Wrestling." This uniquely American spectacle emerged in the early 1960s, featuring the World Octopus Wrestling Championship established in Tacoma, Washington. Divers participated in the event, grappling with and wrestling octopuses. Points were awarded based on the weight of the octopus, tripled if captured without diving gear. In a televised 1963 event, over a hundred divers and numerous spectators gathered. Although nearly 30 octopuses were wrestled, justice remained elusive until the following year. A man became ensnared within a 50-pound octopus, compelling his son to rescue him. Regrettably, it wasn't until 2013 that an individual killing an octopus in Puget Sound attracted global condemnation, spurring a ban on hunting.

Number 5 casts a spotlight on the infamous act of "Fox Hunting." A cruel practice inflicting harm upon all participants, it subjected foxes to exhaustion and the wrath of hounds, who were often later brutally dispatched by the very humans they trusted. Horses suffered injuries and abuse, with riders punching them in the face and more. Even human lives were often sacrificed. This despicable sport covertly symbolized the dominion of the affluent over the land, using the fox as an excuse to transgress borders and fences in their frenzied pursuit. Bureaucratic management extended to the most trivial of details, even dictating the number of buttons based on rank and regulating women's hairstyles. Although hunting foxes has been illegal since 2004, compliance owes more to the tireless efforts of fox and saboteurs rather than the authorities. Scotland has taken the ban more seriously, introducing legislation to ensure enforcement.

At Number 4, we encounter the notorious "Bullfighting," an internationally recognized blood sport. Inexplicably embraced by some, it led to the torment and killing of around 180,000 bulls annually, orchestrated by individuals cloaked in glittering attire. The ideal end, a swift and clean death from a well-placed sword thrust, seldom occurred. Instead, most matadors missed, causing lung injuries that resulted in prolonged suffering. In Indian bullfighting, the cruelty escalated further, with men taunting and torturing the animal using nail-studded sticks, chili powder, and alcohol. Bulls, resilient in their own right, often confronted adversity head-on. Although the odds were stacked against them, bullfighting remained perilous for participants, frequently yielding their just deserts. The Spanish matador, for instance, stumbled in the arena, receiving a goring from the bull. Another fell victim to a lung injury. The human toll was similarly grim, with both participants and spectators losing their lives. The annual running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, claimed several lives, and a similar event in India saw over 100 injuries in 2023 alone.

Number 3 leads us to "Baiting," a sadistic practice historically involving various animals, but in Shakespearean England, bears were the primary victims. Hannibal, an unfortunate bear, would be shackled in an arena by a leg or neck and forced into combat against Bulldogs or Mastiffs. Attempting to monopolize the vile sport, Sanders Duncan Vard obtained a patent to profit from beast combat within England for 14 years. However, his ambitions were marred by mishaps. His unfinished bear garden was toppled by the wind, halting his endeavor. Moreover, one of his bear keepers was killed by a bear during feeding. The incident unfolded in front of thousands of horrified onlookers, tarnishing Duncan's reputation.

At Number 2, we delve into the grim world of "Cockfighting," a sport pitting roosters against each other in a deadly struggle. Astonishingly, this practice persists globally, including within the United States. Advocates argue that roosters are natural combatants, yet their behavior in nature rarely leads to fatal battles. Humans artificially breed these birds for maximum aggression, and in some cases, attach knives to their legs for added excitement. These circumstances often yield unfortunate consequences. In India, knife-wielding roosters killed two men in a single day. In the United States, a major cockfighting operation was publicly shut down by law enforcement, leading to federal charges and jail sentences for several participants.

Finally, at Number 1, we confront the gruesome practice of "Alligator Wrestling." Initially regarded as a way of life for the Florida Seminoles dwelling in the Everglades, this tradition was manipulated by outsiders who exploited native performers for white audiences. Despite its seeming revival, this sport has persisted with performers claiming a spiritual connection to their reptilian adversaries. In truth, the alligators endure cramped and unsanitary conditions. In 2011, a retired alligator wrestler found himself in a life-threatening situation. While showcasing his skills, he inadvertently brushed the roof of an alligator's mouth, prompting the creature to snap its jaws shut, ensnaring the wrestler's head. Although the man was rescued, the incident left a lasting impact. This practice exemplifies how cruelty can lead to unexpected and life-threatening consequences.

In summation, these blood sports, with their horrifying disregard for animal life, leave a trail of suffering and retribution in their wake. Despite the allure for some, the cycle of cruelty often culminates in fitting consequences, showing that the universe has a way of addressing injustice, even in the realm of the barbaric.