Voters in Arizona will get an opportunity to ban a barbaric practice that 45 other states have already eradicated.

The so-called sport of cock-fighting will come up for a vote on the November general election ballot thanks to numerous concerned citizens.

The group Citizens Against Cockfighting turned in nearly 180,000 voter signatures - fewer than 15 percent were invalidated - which left far more than the 112,961 needed to place the item on the election ballot.

Arizona cockfighting opponents failed repeatedly in their attempts to obtain legislative passage of a ban, but succeeded in placing the issue before the voting public.

Arizona is one of only five states where cockfighting is legal.

The others are Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The proposal would make cockfighting a felony with a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $150,000 fine.

Owning, possessing, keeping or training any cock for fighting purposes would be also be illegal.

In addition, spectators at cockfights could be cited for a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Cock-fighting consists of placing two roosters in an enclosed circle and strapping the birds with sharp metal blades or knives on their legs.

The roosters are then forced to fight to the death.

Opponents of the ban contend the "sport" has been around for centuries and poses no harm to communities.

Cock-fighting obviously is perceived as a threat to animal rights activists, and also fosters gambling activity as bets are routinely placed at cock-fighting arenas.

Hopefully, voters in Arizona will follow the lead of the majority of the nation and ban this cruel and inhuman activity. Maybe then Oklahoma and New Mexico will follow suit.