Being a haven for gambling on the death of animals tarnishes Oklahoma's image. Gaffs are curved pieces of steel that end in a point. Knives also have a razor-sharp edge and are up to three and a half inches long. Both are used in Oklahoma pits. Cockfighters' journals are full of ads for stimulants and hormones.
Strychnine is the most popular stimulant.
It provides the energy to fight despite multiple puncture wounds. It's legal in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and all but nine of New Mexico's counties. Birds are angered by being held in each other's faces at the start of the fight, as well as whenever they stop fighting, thus preventing them from submitting. Along with the blades and stimulants, this makes cockfighting anything but natural. Boxers have a choice whether to fight and can call it quits when they choose.