Louisiana bans cockfighting sport

Louisiana, the last U.S. state to allow cockfighting, banned the sport at last.

Cockfighting is a rural tradition in which specially bred roosters fight to the death while spectators place wagers on the outcome.

For years, state legislators resisted animal rights activists' efforts to outlaw the sport, but they relented this year on the condition that the prohibition take effect next year.

The bill goes to Governor Kathleen Blanco, who is expected to sign it into law. The ban will go into effect in August 2008.