Geese fighting is a centuries-old tradition in Russia and is still enjoyed by many in the country. However, it is coming under increasing pressure from animal rights activists who say it’s a cruel and unnecessary sport.

Every spring, geese owners from across Russia come with their birds to the village of Monino in Nizhny Novgorod region to pit their skills.

The organisers of the geese fighting in Monino’s central park say they don’t force the birds to fight; they are just taking advantage of their natural instincts.

Mikhail Kalinichev has been breeding fighting ganders for more than 30 years and knows how to train a winner. The proud owner of the geese says what he does is simply a tradition that has been practiced throughout Russia for centuries.

Animal rights activists, on the contrary, are adamant that the fighting is simply cruelty.

Konstantin Sabinin, from ‘Vita’ Animal Rights Centre, says they “consider it is shameful that this occurs in Russia”.

“Watching cruelty caused to animals contributes to an acceptance of brutality in society,” he says.

People convicted of cruelty to animals can be jailed for up to two years under Russia's Criminal Code. But Konstantin is calling for tougher legal restrictions on the geese fighting.

Meanwhile, locals together with guests from across the country continue to enjoy the tussles.