I was just reading some news on the net, and came across an article that I think ties right in with this website.
You see, an expat living in Malaysia has gotten into trouble in the courts for attacking his neighbor’s fighting cocks. I didn’t realize that cockfighting was big in Malaysia, but I doubt it’s any bigger there than it is here in the Philippines. If you lived here and did something to injure somebody’s fighting cocks, I have no doubt that you would be in serious trouble!
According to the International Herald Tribune:
A Malaysian court has fined a Canadian expatriate 600 ringgit (US$175; €135) for attacking his neighbor’s fighting cocks, which the man said made such noise that he couldn’t sleep well for months, a news report said Saturday.
Christopher Neil Marland, who works for an oil company, pleaded guilty Friday in a magistrate’s court to the charge of trespassing in his neighbor’s house and hitting one of the roosters with a spade in his backyard on April 21, The Star newspaper reported.
Marland’s lawyer, Ranbir Singh, told the court that his client was pushed over the edge after six months of not getting enough sleep at night, because the neighbor did not do anything to control the birds despite repeated pleas.
As I have said on this blog before, you really have to get used to the fact that it is noisy here! Roosters crow all night long. People next door get drunk and party into the night with loud music. Dogs bark at all hours. If you can’t handle that, you probably should not live here. Be especially careful if you take some kind of action like Mr. Marland did – because if you get fined or put in jail you would be lucky. More likely you would be killed from hurting somebody’s prized fighting cock.
Be forewarned!
As an american living here in the philippines ,married to a filipina Im very happy to hear the roasters crow every morning,it sounds so much better than the noisy city in a USA,we must remember the filipinos have thier customs and we must not say nothing ,try to learn thier ways,but the people seem happier here than in USA,have you noticed that?anyway,this is not our country and we cant expect it to be like USA,and maybe thats the reason why a lot of us are here…thanks BOB..
You are correct, Cliff. We are the ones who have to adjust, since we are the guests here. Of course, if you are friendly with your neighbor, you can always ask a favor for them to see if they can keep the noise down. However, generally, we must adjust to the way of life here as much as possible.
I agree, Cliff – the people here are indeed happier than those back in the States.
The noise in Davao, never really bothered me. It’s maybe because I grew up in that environment, Now that I live in California, I currently daydream about efficiently & secretly taking out the neighbor’s noisy dog. Goes to show how different we can be in different places. btw, I like dogs, so “kylie’s” fate is safe…for now.
Hi Macky – Ha ha… poor kylie! I have also gotten to the point where I can sleep through most of the noise. It bugs me, but I can generally get past it. The hard part is getting to sleep, once I am asleep they can bark, crow, do whatever, and it usually won't wake me up.
You forgot to mention the fireworks at Xmas…or should I say, the weeks before Xmas.
Hi Laurence – oh my… I don't even want to think about the fireworks! I do have one good thing, though…. I live in Davao, and fireworks are illegal here, and it is strictly enforced. When I lived in General Santos, though, I got my fill of it!
you get used to the cocks crowing etc, but i miss the sound of other birds which there doesnt seem to be many about (maybee they ate them all)
Hi Anthony – we have lots of birds here in Davao. Where do you live?