CHARLESTON — A group of West Virginians announced their intention to use the state’s tradition of a citizen legislature to introduce a bill to legalize, regulate and tax gamecock sports in West Virginia casinos where gambling already occurs.

“Breeders, trainers and fighting enthusiasts already run and patronize lucrative cockfighting operations in this state. Everyone knows what’s taking place in barns and garages across West Virginia so it only makes sense to bring it out from the shadows so it can be taxed and properly regulated. It’s a part of our heritage that can help our schools and seniors with services they need by generating millions in tax revenue,” said Bradford Parker of Weston, a spokesman for the group.

“The so-called elites would rather look down their nose at us and tax our beer and cigarettes. Let’s use common sense and put cockfighting in our racinos, where it belongs. Right now, the elites are criminalizing cultural activity that came here with the pilgrims and they’re leaving millions in potential tax revenue uncollected and useless to the citizens of West Virginia. This idea fixes both wrongs,” said Parker.

Research shows that cockfighting was enjoyed by presidents Washington, Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln, and it’s still a legal multimillion industry in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. It also thrives in Hawaii where it is illegal but openly conducted.

Parker said the Gamefowl Breeders of the United States and John DeMarino have an online petition — www.petitiononline.com/roosters — containing almost 3,000 signatures.