Is Cockfighting Humane?

Below is a quote taken from Mr. Herbert Atkinson, please take a second to read this with an open mind. Thanks.

With regard to the cruelty attached to the sport, it must be remembered that no man can encourage or force a cock to fight aginst his inclination, or stop him running away if so inclined ; that artificial spurs lessen their sufferings by shortening them. The persons who generally exclaim against the sport are those who are not conversant with the nature of the game cock, and have never seen a cock-fight. They must, therefore, be incapable of forming a correct judgment on the subject. It must also not be forgotten that the game cock was reared in every enjoyment and luxury till two years old, and then had a fair chance of his life ; whereas an ordinary chicken is reared until some five or six months old, perhaps crammed, and finally killed, not always by any means in as merciful a manner as the game cock. It is not desired to write a defense to the sport, but simply to put both sides of the question before the reader, who will, I trust, approach the subject with what one of greatest statesmen called "an open mind."