Centuries-old goose scuffle alive and kicking
Published 23 March, 2009, 20:22
Cockfights and dogfights are bloody sports banned around the globe, but there is one animal showdown claimed not to be cruel – the goose scuffle. The age-old traditional event takes place annually in Central Russia.
The goose scuffle is believed to have appeared back in the 16th century, Ria Novosti news agency says.
Nevertheless, after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution very few Russian areas remained stuck to the tradition – and Nizhny Novgorod Region is one of them.
Goose scuffles are held at the end of winter which is the breeding period for geese. Males battle it out to conquer the hearts of their feathered ladies.
Only geese aged from one- to four-years-old are allowed to take part in fighting.
The combat observes strict rules similar to those in martial art championships. Geese are not allowed to peck their opponents in the head or feet. The fight goes on until severe pain makes one of the fighters run.
Thus, the winner is not the strongest one – but the one with the highest pain threshold.
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