NEW DELHI -- A 50-year-old father of three was killed in India last week after the rooster he was transporting to a cockfight attacked him. According to CNN, Saripalli Chanavenkateshwaram Rao, was killed when the rooster -- who had blades attached to its claws -- struck Rao in the throat. Rao was taken to a nearby hospital where he died from complications of a stroke.

According to station house officer Kranti Kumar, the man was known for attending cockfights in the area and was transporting the rooster to a fight when it tried to break free. Rao attempted to stop the rooster from getting loose, but was eventually critically injured in the struggle.

Cockfighting has been illegal in India since 1960, but the popularity of the fights is still string in some areas. Gauri Maulekhi,, a trustee for India’s People for Animals foundation says the authorities ignore the fights despite being illegal.

“The offenses have been made very clear and explained to the district and state authorities, but they choose to turn a blind eye towards it. It is not just for entertainment that these animals are made to fight, but it is (also) due to the heavy betting and gambling that goes on in the garb of these events,” Maulekhi said.