Some of my neighbors also don't like cockfighting, and they even criticize me because I have a few roosters that I usually enter into fights. Not in a big arena, but just a small arena with small bets. But I ignore those who criticize me.
I have liked this since I was a child, not because of the bloodied chickens after the fight. It's not that I dislike animals either. In gambling, I prefer betting over casino games. Perhaps the environment also influences this.