Child Endangerment: Pulling No Punches

Child Endangerment: Pulling No Punches The website of The Boston Globe ran a series of photos depicting the Annual Evacuation Day/St. Patrick’s Day boxing show (Barry Chin, Globe Staff, March 8). In one photo, a youngster in the 45pound weight class smashes his fist into the opponent’s left cheek. In another, a child delivers a bruising blow to his opponent’s nose. Meanwhile, family and friends stand by, taking their own photos to preserve the spectacle for posterity. Who wants to forget the sight of a child grimacing in pain on the canvas?

The federal government, however, declares that viewing brutality deserves regulation. In all states, cockfighting is illegal; and in most, it is a felony. The newly enacted 2014 Farm Bill goes further. It includes sanctions against those who view such fights. According to the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, to knowingly attend a dogfight or cockfight as a spectator is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine. To knowingly bring a minor under the age of 16 is a federal felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Because we all lose when violence is glorified, protecting minors from such gruesome “games” is commendable. However, encouraging children to personally inflict pain and injury—the very goal of boxing—is beyond comprehension. Evidence shows that repeated, direct blows to the head—the kind sustained in boxing—can cause Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which can lead to death.

The ASPCA advocated successfully for the health and safety of dogs and roosters. Our children deserve even greater protection. ###