Last year, although the fights were not yet outlawed, gambling on them was a last attempt to squash the lengthy tradition of cockfighting. Backers of the southern tradition have been less noticeable in years past as Louisiana tries to put her best face forward in the shameful aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Banning the gambling on cockfighting was not enough to squash it completely as people drawing just to watch the ensuing feather fight is about as likely as snow in Hawaii. Louisiana is the last state in the nation to outlaw the practice and many Cajuns are anticipated to go underground to fight their prized roosters, similar to the progression of dog fighting.

The Cajun people have a proud heritage and see this as stepping on their personal rights. There is plenty of pressure from the other side as well who see cockfighting as barbaric and abusive to the animals involved, especially since one or both may die during or after the match.