The Collector of Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district B Lakshmikantham warned of severe action against those who organise or participate in cockfights.
Stating that cockfights are banned under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the AP Gaming Act, 1974, and steps were being taken to prevent the blood sport.
“We will implement the High Court orders against cockfights. Instructions have been given to Police, Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Panchayat Raj Departments to take all measures to stop cockfights,” Lakshmikanthan said in a press release.
The Collector also said that committees had been formed at the divisional and mandal-level, with officials of Revenue, Animal Husbandry and police departments.
A strict vigil will be kept over the entire district, and raids would be conducted, the Collector added.
According to reports, Mango orchards are turning into cock fight arenas in Krishna district, even as villages in twin Godavari districts are planning regular cock fights.
As Sankranti edges closer in Andhra every year, the police constitute several teams to prevent annual cockfights from being held along the coastal areas of the state.
Despite the Supreme Court upholding the Hyderabad High Court's order prohibiting cockfights, organisers in the state seem to pay no heed to the ban.
By mid-January this year, the police department had registered 1,347 cases, adding that 471 cases were registered in Krishna district, while another 337 were registered in West Godavari, and 136 in East Godavari.
The sport, is a 'tradition' for many people living in rural areas of coastal Andhra, and extensive betting is also done, with several crore rupees exchanging hands every year.
The fight is usually between two birds, specially bred for the purpose, with the match ending when one bird dies or is fatally injured. In many cases, three to four-inch knives are attached to the cocks' legs, making the fight bloodier, as hundreds gather to watch.